Three women scientists finalists for Zonta award

ZONTA SCIENCE AWARD 2002

Media Release

Three women scientists finalists for Zonta award

Women scientists from Hamilton, Rotorua and Dunedin have been selected as finalists in this year's Zonta award for women in science.

The three have been chosen from a strong field of emerging women scientists who put their names forward from fields as diverse as marine biology, water quality, biosecurity, clothing and textile science as well as plant physiology.

The finalists, selected by a panel of judges who represent a number of different scientific disciplines, are:

* Dr Rachael Taylor, a lecturer in human nutrition from the University of Otago, who is currently carrying out pioneering work in the prevention of childhood obesity. Her research study concerns childhood nutrition in small South Island country towns that will benefit many families.

* Dr Catherine Morrow from AgResearch, Ruakura is currently researching the hormones of pregnancy in animals. Her research aims to improve the pregnancy outcomes for embryos generated through assisted reproductive technologies. Her expertise in reproduction of exotic species is being used by the Hamilton and Auckland Zoos, a recent highlight was the birth of a White Rhino at Hamilton Zoo after monitoring the 17 month pregnancy.

* Dr Julia Charity is a researcher at Forest Research in Rotorua. She has had a key role in developing and using plant gene technologies in her science career. She wants to travel to Canada to undertake collaborative research to better understand the technology.

The Zonta Club of Wellington is organising the Award that is held every two years. The winner will be announced at a special reception at Government House on April 30.

The aim of the award is to promote science as a career for women as well as providing encouragement to those already in the field.

The recipient of the award will be funded to fly to Europe and/or the United States for further study, with $5,000 cash. As well she will receive a special medal designed by well-known sculptor Tanya Ashken who is a past member of Zonta.

The principal sponsor of the award is AgResearch, with contributions from BP Oil New Zealand, the Balivean Trust, the John Ilott Charitable Trust, Hill's Pet Nutrition NZ Ltd and the Sutherland Trust. The Zonta Club of Wellington contributes financially to the award as well as organising it.

Ends

For further information contact: 021 436 429

© Scoop Media