Professor Warren Tate of the University of Otago pocketed this year's Rutherford Medal for his groundbreaking medical discoveries known worldwide.Early in his research career, Professor Tate unveiled translational frameshifting as a new mechanism of gene
Professor Warren Tate of the University of Otago pocketed this year’s Rutherford Medal for his groundbreaking medical discoveries known worldwide.
Early in his research career, Professor Tate unveiled translational frameshifting as a new mechanism of gene regulation, leading to a study of the mechanism in HIV-1 as a potential drug target.
Also, his interest in the molecular basis of memory has progressed to the development of brain protein fragment, which can restore memory, and has potential as a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.
The Rutherford Medal is the highest award instituted by the Royal Society of New Zealand annually at the request of the Government.
It honours a researcher for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to science and technology in New Zealand, both in research and in the promotion of public awareness and understanding of science.
Minister of Research, Science and Technology Doctor Wayne Mapp said Professor Tate is one of New Zealand’s most outstanding scientists.
“He is highly respected worldwide for his groundbreaking discoveries in cell biology.
“He has also made major contributions outside the laboratory, in teaching, training and to national and international science policy,” Dr Mapp said.
Professor Tate received $100,000 from the Government as part of the award.
“To keep our best and brightest mind in New Zealand, or attract them back from overseas” 10 scientists were also award The Rutherford Discovery Fellowships, which provide support of up to $200,000 a year for five years.
In the first four years the Government will invest more than $24 million into the fellowships, which this year aim to provide more support to New Zealand researchers early in their career.
By the 2015/2016 financial year more than $9 million a year will fund about 50 fellows at any one time.
The Rutherford Discovery Fellowship winners for 2011 are:
Dr Donna Rose Addis, University of Auckland, Department of Psychology
Dr Noam Greenberg, Victoria University of Wellington, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Dr Jason Tylianakis, University of Canterbury, School of Biological Sciences
Dr Ashton Bradley, University of Otago, Department of Physics
Dr Paul Gardner, University of Canterbury
Dr Murray Cox, Massey University, Institute of Molecular BioSciences
Associate Professor Alexei Drummond, University of Auckland, Department of Computer Science
Associate Professor Jennifer Hay, University of Canterbury, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Dr John Reynolds, University of Otago, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology
Dr Eric Le Ru, Victoria University of Wellington, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
