Scientist recognised for contribution to kiwifruit science

Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Ross Ferguson has been awarded the Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to the scientific knowledge of kiwifruit.

Dr Ferguson has undertaken research in kiwifruit for almost 35 years and has published nearly 150 papers, including peer-reviewed science in international journals and popular articles for horticulturalists. He is one of the leading world authorities on kiwifruit, and his research has been fundamental to the development of New Zealand’s $1 billion kiwifruit industry.

“Ross’ research has made a valuable contribution to the growth of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry, supporting the development of new cultivars, such as ZESPRI^® GOLD, that appeal to the global consumer and provide New Zealand with a premium position in the global marketplace,” says Dr Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer of Plant & Food Research. “We congratulate him on this recognition of his scientific endeavours, which reflects his leadership and contribution to horticultural science.”

Dr Ferguson is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science. He is an Associate of Honour of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, was awarded the New Zealand Science and Technology Medal in 1995, and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008.

The Jubilee medal is the premier award of the New Zealand Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Science, and was created to celebrate 50 years of leadership in and service to the primary resource sciences. It is awarded to a member to recognise an outstanding contribution to primary resource science.  Dr Ferguson was presented with the medal at the Royal Society of New Zealand’s annual Research Honours Dinner, held in Christchurch on Wednesday 10 November.