Guidelines

When considering the award of a Rutherford Medal, the Royal Society will be looking for people of distinction who will stand in high public esteem in New Zealand. They will have demonstrated more than purely scientific or technological achievement within their scientific or technological discipline. To qualify, the research needs to be recognised internationally as significantly advancing understanding of the field. They will also have made a substantial contribution in New Zealand to the advancement and promotion of public awareness, knowledge and understanding of science, mathematics, social science, or technology, public service within the scientific community, and on behalf of research, science, mathematics, social science, or technology in the wider community.

Nominations may be made by any person, but must be supported by at least one member of the Academy Council or Royal Society Council.

Nominations must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, as well as a supporting statement signed by the seconding member of the Academy Council or Society Council. The Academy Council reserves the right to decline any nomination.

The Academy Council may also make nominations for the Rutherford Medal.

Any person may be nominated as long as he or she meets the requirements in accordance with the guidelines. Nominees will normally be expected to be living and working in New Zealand, but people living overseas with strong New Zealand connections, either personally or through their work, will also be eligible.

Please include:

• A CV of the nominee;
• A statement giving details of the relevant contributions the nominee has made to science and technology both in the field and to the wider community;
• A brief statement (not above 100 words) giving reasons why the nominee should be awarded the medal. The statement should be in a form that can be used in publicity;
• A brief citation (not above 40 words) for use on award documents;
• The names, addresses, phone numbers (and e-mail addresses if available) of three referees who could be approached for reports on the nominee's suitability for the award.