Bee researcher recognised for contribution to science

Dr Mark Goodwin receives medal for pollination research.

Dr Mark Goodwin, a scientist at Plant & Food Research, has been awarded a New Zealand Science and Technology Medal for his work on honey bees and crop pollination practices.

Around one third of New Zealand food sources are pollinated by bees, but introduced disease is threatening the bee population. Dr Goodwin leads the Bee Unit of Plant & Food Research which looks at both control of bee diseases, including varroa mite and American Foulbrood, and alternate methods of crop pollination, in order to maintain crop yields.

Dr Goodwin has worked at Plant & Food Research, and its predecessor HortResearch, since 1992. Prior to this, he was leader of MAF's Honey Bee Research programme and a scientist in the Entomology division of DSIR. During his 20 years as a scientist, he has been lead author on over 200 scientific publications and articles, as well as lecturing, supervising PhD students and presenting his research to scientific, industry and public audiences worldwide.

"Mark Goodwin is a world leader in his field," says Dr Bruce Campbell, Chief Operating Officer of Plant & Food Research. "Not only is he dedicated to his science, he is also passionate about building both public and industry understanding of bees and pollination issues vital to the success of New Zealand horticulture and agriculture. We congratulate him on receiving this well deserved recognition."

The New Zealand Science and Technology Medals are awarded in recognition of exceptional contributions to New Zealand society through the promotion and advancement of science, mathematics, social science or technology. The medals are funded through the New Zealand Government and administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. In 2009, four people have been awarded these medals.