Two University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have been recognised for their contributions to science in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor Phillip Wilcox, of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and Department of Bioethics, and Dr Nils Birkholz, of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, received highly prestigious awards from the Royal Society – Te Apārangi at a ceremony last night.
Professor Wilcox won the Thomson Medal for outstanding leadership in genetics and genomics that has underpinned development of a system for ethical, collaborative and impactful genomic sciences in New Zealand.
His expertise has aided key groups in society, from the commercial forestry sector here and in the US, to Māori health, in particular geonomics resources that are beginning to yield improved health outcomes.
Professor Wilcox was elated and humbled by the award, especially as so many other people have achieved considerable success in science.
“This is not my achievement alone,” he says. “The whakatauki ‘ehara tēnei toa he toa takitahi, a, he toa takitini ke’ is so, so apt here.
“There’s also a little sadness, too, actually. Some of those involved in this journey who have contributed significantly have passed beyond the veil – my parents, other whānau, my tupuna, koroua who mentored me in te ao Māori, a few researchers I’ve worked with and some friends I’ve made along the way.
“I’m deeply, deeply grateful to everyone that has contributed, from the very moment I started my science career till now.”
Dr Birkholz was awarded the Hamilton Award, given to an early-career researcher for excellence in scientific research.
As a molecular microbiologist, he studies bacteria – what happens in their cells and how they interact with their environment – and their defence against bacteriophages, the viruses that specifically infect bacteria.
The Award recognises his research which uncovered an unprecedented gene-regulation mechanism in the arms race between bacteria and their viruses, which may shape strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Dr Birkholz was also thrilled to win.
“There’s a lot of great science being done in Aotearoa, especially by early-career researchers, so to be singled out is a real honour,” he says.
“Our work has strong potential to inform applications down the line, but it is still very much fundamental microbiology. I choose to view this award as an encouraging signal that such curiosity-driven research is still being valued in our current research landscape.
“I’m also grateful to all my collaborators over the years who have contributed their expertise. Without them, this work would not be nearly as impactful.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Distinguished Professor Greg Cook says the recognition is very well-deserved.
“Professor Wilcox and Dr Birkholz show what Otago research achieves. Professor Wilcox has built the foundations for ethical, collaborative genomics across the country, and Dr Birkholz has uncovered a mechanism that could shape how we fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Their work makes a difference to Aotearoa New Zealand and well beyond it.”
