Associate Professor Alex James and Professor Michael Plank have won the UC Research Medal for their work developing mathematical models that helped guide New Zealands response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Associate Professor泭Alex James泭and Professor泭Michael Plank泭will receive the 厙ぴ勛圖s Research Medal at a ceremony on Wednesday 24 November in recognition of their outstanding research.
Since early March 2020, the pair have been key members of the national team of scientists at award-winning research centre泭, which provided a series of mathematical models informing the Governments efforts to combat Covid-19.
Associate Professor James and Professor Plank provided valuable information that contributed to Aotearoa New Zealands Covid-19 planning and response, including use of the four-tier alert level system, testing regimes and digital contact tracing. Their modelling has also been used to understand the potential impact of the disease on Aotearoas at-risk communities.
They have also been highly active in national print and broadcast media, writing multiple articles commenting on aspects of the pandemic, and appearing in interviews on television, radio and in print both here and for international news outlets.
Associate Professor James says she feels honoured to receive the award and lucky to have worked alongside some fantastic researchers and students.
She left Te P贖naha Matatinis Covid-19 modelling group earlier this year but remains a member of the research centre.
Professor Plank says its humbling to receive the medal. The research was very much a joint effort involving a team of scientists who stepped up when they were needed most. I am proud of the contribution this research has made to better understanding the pandemic and New Zealands response to it.
I am also very grateful for the incredible support Ive been given by the University and my colleagues here, without whom this work wouldnt have been possible.
厙ぴ勛圖 Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor泭Ian Wright泭says Associate Professor James and Professor Planks efforts have undoubtedly led to lives being saved. Their world-beating research and deep engagement with the Government has had significant health and social impacts.
They have combined pioneering science, clear communication and lightning speed to keep pace with the challenges of a rapidly evolving pandemic. Theyve also played a role in providing leading science communication to the public.
- The 厙ぴ勛圖 is holding a Celebrating Excellence P Whakamnawa event on 24 November to recognise the achievements of outstanding academic staff. UC Business School Professor泭Marcus Milne泭has won the UC Research Medal along with Professor Plank and Associate Professor James.
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