Awards and events
MacDiarmid Awards
The MacDiarmid awards have been replaced by the Prime Minister's Science prizes which were introduced in 2009 as a way of raising the profile and prestige of science among New Zealanders.
Alan MacDiarmid Tribute
The MacDiarmid awards were named after one of New Zealand’s greatest scientists – Professor Alan MacDiarmid – who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2000 for the discovery and development of conductive polymers.
Sadly, he died suddenly at his home in February 2007.
Professor MacDiarmid was a great supporter of the MacDiarmid Awards and attended each event or delivered a personal message by videoconference.
His enthusiasm and commitment to helping young people understand the importance of science was exceptional and will be sadly missed.
View our tribute video 'Legacy of the Boy Chemist' that was written and directed by Peter Burke and screened at the MacDiarmid Awards in 2007.
MacDiarmid Award Winners
2009
John Watt, Victoria University of Wellington
Read about the 2009 winners and finalists (PDF 7 MB).
2008
Rebecca Mcleod, University of Otago
Watch a video clip (Windows media file 25MB) of Rebecca explaining her award winning research.
See all the information on the 2008 winners (PDF 3.5 MB).
2007
Jessie Jacobsen, University of Auckland
For research that could contribute to a cure for the fatal brain disorder Huntington’s disease.
See Jessie’s and other winning posters.
Read Jessie's winning essay.
2006
Claire French, University of Auckland
For new cell identification technology that could help solve sex crimes.