UC geologist honoured by Prime Minister

UC geologist honoured by Prime Minister for post-earthquake communication

University of Canterbury geologist Dr Mark Quigley has won the 2011 Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize for his communication work following the Canterbury earthquakes. He receives $50,000 with another $50,000 allocated for developing his science media communication skills.

Dr Quigley has made himself available to explain the science behind the earthquakes despite living in a condemned red zone house surrounded by liquefaction and with no sewerage, water and power.

Since 2010, he has delivered more than 40 lectures in New Zealand and overseas including three in Christchurch attended by more than 2,400 people. The winner of the New Zealand Listener’s 2010 “unlikely television star” title has also been interviewed frequently on radio and television, been the focus of multiple newspaper articles and maintained a website that has attracted over 130,000 hits.

In addition, Mark has published seven peer-reviewed research articles on the Christchurch earthquakes and says that one of his proudest achievements is having numerous postgraduate students at the University of Canterbury as co-authors. “That has allowed them to move their careers forward despite the obvious personal challenges resulting from the earthquakes.”

Professor Jarg Pettinga, Head of Department for Geological Sciences at UC, says Mark has a rare ability to communicate complex scientific issues in a credible and calming way.

“But the leadership and direction he has provided in terms of research is just as important. The Canterbury earthquake sequence has put a major spotlight on New Zealand geosciences and it has come through strongly, in no small part because of the outstanding contribution made by Mark.”

Dr Quigley’s research is also contributing to decisions on the Christchurch rebuild and changes that may be needed to New Zealand’s building code.

In addition, the award-winning scientist may be one of the reasons that interest in studying earth sciences at the University of Canterbury continues to soar.

Dr Quigley says “huge interest” in the field bodes well for the future. “We need educated, enthusiastic young people working on earthquake research. Having the best and brightest minds in this space is good for Christchurch and good for the human race.”

Dr Quigley, who is 34, says one of the most difficult issues he’s grappled with over the last 15 months is pressure to be optimistic.

“I am an optimist anyway but when it’s your life and your community and others are relying on you, you do tend to look for the bright spots. It’s been a balancing act to give accurate information that is hopeful but not unrealistic.”

A thirst for adventure was one of the things that drew Canadian-born Dr Quigley to a career in science. He has spent time carrying out research in some of the world’s most remote places including the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, The Himalayas, the jungles of East Timor and the deserts of the Southwest USA, Iran and Australia.

Dr Quigley gained his undergraduate degree in geology from the University of Toronto in Canada, his Masters at the University of New Mexico in the United States and his Doctorate in Earth Sciences is from the University of Melbourne. He has been teaching at the University of Canterbury since 2008 where he supervises a research group of 15.

Dr Quigley says winning the Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize is a highlight of what has been one of the most testing years of his life.

“Making myself available round the clock to communicate to the public has required me to put a lot of my life on hold. I’ve got no regrets but it feels wonderful to have the effort recognised.”

Among his plans for the prize money are writing a popular science book and a children’s book on the earthquakes, carrying out a science communication lecture tour to New Zealand universities and research institutes, and sending some of his students to science media training courses.

Dr Quigley also received the New Zealand Association of Scientists Science Communicator’s Award for 2011.

The 2011 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes were presented to winners in Auckland today (Friday, 16 December).

To find out more about the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes visit www.pmscienceprizes.org.nz

About the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes:

The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes combine recognition and reward, with total prize money of $1 million. Presented annually, they are New Zealand’s most valuable science awards and were introduced to raise the profile and prestige of science. The prizes celebrate scientific achievement, highlight the impact science has on New Zealanders’ lives and aim to attract more young people into science careers. There are five prizes with the top award, valued at $500,000, recognising a transformational science discovery or achievement which has had a significant impact on New Zealand or internationally. The prizes are:
• The Prime Minister’s Science Prize: $500,000
• The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize: $200,000
• The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize: $150,000
• The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize: $50,000
• The Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize: $100,000

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