Science &Technology Medals Guidelines

The award of any medal recognises contribution beyond the bounds of the discipline or immediate work environment. This may take place through novel ways such as the media (print, radio or television) to audiences such as children, selected interest groups, Maori, or the general public. Significant importance is placed on the concept of informing the lay person in order to bring about:

• positive change in attitude to science, mathematics, social science, and technology;
• increase in public understanding in science, mathematics, social science, and technology;
• greater awareness of science, mathematics, social science, and technology;
• increased appreciation of the cultural value of science, mathematics, social science and technology;
• increased opportunities in science, mathematics, social science, and technology.

Such activities and the involvement on the part of the nominee should be clearly outlined in the information supporting the nomination.

Nominations must be made or seconded through Constituent Organisations, Regional Constituent Organisations (Branches), or Affiliate Organisations of the Royal Society of New Zealand, i.e. one of the nominators must be an officer of a Constituent Organisation, Regional Constituent Organisation, or Affiliate Organisation of the Society. The Royal Society Council may also make nominations for the medals.

Any person may be nominated as long as he or she meets the requirements in accordance with these guidelines.

Medals (up to five annually) will be awarded to honour men and women who have made significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, social science, or technology, through practice or leadership. The Royal Society will be looking for people who meet the following criteria:

• have made a conspicuous long-term contribution to science, social science, industrial research, or science education; and
• have made a conspicuous long-term contribution to the promotion of the public awareness of science, mathematics, social science, or technology; and/or
• have led the significant advancement of, or promotion of, science, mathematics, social science, or technology in some other way.

Group nominations will be considered.  

If a nominee is a Fellow of the Royal Society, then it is not expected that their case would be considered on the basis of a research-only contribution, especially where that research has formed the basis of their Fellowship election. They may, however, be eligible for the award of a Science and Technology medal on the basis of additional contributions, for example in the promotion, application and/or leadership of science, mathematics, social science, or technology.

Nominees for Science and Technology medals 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

Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be considered.

"Science and Technology" is taken to cover the fields of knowledge broadly known by the term "scientific culture". It includes the applied, biological, earth, engineering, information, mathematical, medical, physical, social, and technological sciences. It also includes activities in the promotion and encouragement of science and technology, in improving public awareness, knowledge and understanding of science and technology, in science and technology education and in the management of scientific and technological societies and institutions. It does not include the arts and humanities.