2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Honor Life-Saving Neonatal Research and Innovation

Groundbreaking research in neonatal care that has saved thousands of lives worldwide is recognised among the winners of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds congratulated the recipients at the awards in Wellington last night, recognising the impact of their work.

These awards do more than recognise excellence in research, teaching and science communication – they celebrate the extraordinary contribution science makes to improving lives and shaping our future, Ms Simmonds says.

From next year, the Government is introducing a new category – the Prime Minister’s Innovation Prize – recognising individuals or teams translating scientific knowledge into real-world products, services and solutions that benefit New Zealand.

Turning more Kiwi science and research into commercial success is a major focus of the Government’s reforms to our science, innovation and technology system, and I am delighted to see the impact that the 2025 prize winners are making.

This year’s top prize was awarded to Professors Alistair Gunn and Laura Bennett, with Associate Professor Joanne Davidson of the University of Auckland, for pioneering research that has established therapeutic hypothermia as the global standard of care for newborn brain injury.

The award was made posthumously to Professor Gunn, who passed away in May. His work transformed treatment for babies affected by oxygen deprivation at birth, preventing death and lifelong disability, and saving thousands of lives worldwide. The achievements build on work on therapeutic brain cooling started by his mother, the late Professor Tania Gunn.

These award winners are improving health outcomes, helping us better understand climate risks, inspiring young people, and supporting innovation that benefits New Zealand and the world.

Dr Luke Harrington of the University of Waikato received the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for his work improving understanding of how climate change is influencing extreme weather events.

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence of the University of Otago received the Science Communication Prize for using his research on reconstructing past ecosystems to enhance public understanding of how climate change and human activity shape the natural world.

Nan Walden-Moeung of Wellington East Girls' College received the Science Teacher Prize for her innovative integration of science, technology, design and cultural practice that significantly enhances student outcomes and engagement in science education.

Jesse Rumball-Smith of Wellington College received the Future Scientist Prize for developing a smartphone-based system to improve driver safety.

From life-saving discovery to classroom innovation, these winners demonstrate the real-world impact of science and the importance of supporting our next generation of scientists and innovators, Ms Simmonds says.

Notes to editors The science start-up initiatives receiving Government funding are: The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes have been awarded annually since 2009. The five prizes have a combined value of $975,000, supporting both recipients and ongoing research, education and development.Details of the 2025 winners are below: Prime Minister’s Science Prize - Professors Alistair Gunn and Laura Bennet, with Associate Professor Joanne Davidson (University of Auckland): pioneering research in neonatal care that established therapeutic hypothermia as a global standard of care.

Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize - Dr Luke Harrington (University of Waikato): research into how climate change influences extreme weather events.

Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize - Nan Walden-Moeung (Wellington East Girls’ College): innovative science education integrating technology, design and cultural practice.

Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize - Associate Professor Nic Rawlence (University of Otago): advancing public understanding of prehistoric ecosystems and emerging science issues.

Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize - Jesse Rumball-Smith (Wellington College): development of a smartphone-based driver safety system.

The additional award category – the Prime Minister’s Innovation Prize will be awarded from the 2026 round onwards. Further application details will be released by the Royal Society Te Apārangi later this year For further information on the Science Prizes and Professor Alistair Gunn’s obituary.

https://pmscienceprizes.org.nz/ https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/who-we-are/our-people/our-fellows/obituaries/fellows-obituaries/alistair-gunn