Excellence in research staff award

To recognise a staff member’s research and/or creative excellence and accomplishments undertaken at Otago Polytechnic.  The contribution can be in any category of research activity, covered by NZQA definition of research including:

• Basic or fundamental research
• Strategic research
• Applied research
• Scholarship
• Creative work

Awarded to: Dr Susan Ballard, Art and Dr Deborah Davis, Midwifery

Susan was nominated for this award by a number of staff at the School of Art.  Her research is highly innovative in her field of electronic art, she publishes widely in highly regarded areas, nationally and internationally.  Students and colleagues regard her research with the upmost respect, she has received external grants to support her research and most recently co-edited a major book on electronic arts - the Aotearoa Digital Art’s Reader, which was launched by the NZ High Commission in Singapore in 2008.  Susan is a worthy awardee for the Excellence in Research Award.

Deborah has developed her research profile nationally and internationally and is a well respected researcher both through publishing in highly respected midwifery journals, but also in leading and participating in international studies in the area of childbirth and midwifery.  She also has been successful in obtaining external funding and is currently supporting staff who are doctoral students.  Deb is also actively continuing to extend her knowledge widely and is congratulated on achieving this award.