A Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University academic has received the prestigious New Zealand Association of Scientists’ Shorland Medal for the first time, with Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme honoured for his exceptional contribution to biosecurity science.
The Shorland Medal is one of New Zealand’s most esteemed scientific awards. It acknowledges a major and sustained contribution to basic or applied research that has significantly advanced scientific understanding or delivered substantial benefits to society.
Distinguished Professor Hulme says he is deeply honoured by the recognition:
“Receiving the Shorland Medal reflects not only my personal commitment to advancing biosecurity science but also the collaborative efforts of colleagues and partners who share the goal of protecting ecosystems and economies from biological invasions,” he said.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of research that bridges ecology, policy and human behaviour to deliver practical solutions for global challenges.”
Professor Hulme is Director of Lincoln University’s Centre of Excellence – The Centre for One Biosecurity Research, Analysis and Synthesis (COBRAS) and Deputy Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa. As a leading international biosecurity scientist, his research has advanced global understanding of the causes and consequences of biological invasions, with these issues critical to economic and environmental wellbeing.
Internationally, Professor Hulme served as coordinating lead author on the Invasive Alien Species Assessment for the United Nations Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services while also contributing to numerous European Union-funded programmes.
His impact is reflected in extraordinary citation metrics: ranked as a Highly Cited Researcher for 11 consecutive years, placing him in the top 0.1% of scientists globally. He has received numerous accolades, including the inaugural Lincoln University Global Science Medal, the Royal Society Te Apārangi Hutton Medal, the New Zealand Ecological Society Award for Ecological Excellence and a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Lincoln University Provost Professor Chad Hewitt says the award is well deserved.
“This is fitting recognition for a world-leading scientist whose work influences how biosecurity is perceived and implemented worldwide,” he said.
“Distinguished Professor Hulme’s research underpins critical advances in biosecurity and invasive species management. We are proud to support his work at COBRAS, which is helping develop scientific solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing global biosecurity.”
