Massey success in research honours

Massey University researcher Associate Professor Shaun Cooper was awarded the New Zealand Mathematical Society Research Award at the Royal Society Research Honours Dinner last night.

The award is given to recognise excellence in mathematical research.

Dr Cooper, of the Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences at the Albany campus, has established himself as a world-class expert in number theory. He is especially recognised for his research emanating from the work of the Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan.

His work appears in leading mathematical journals and has applications in statistical physics, cryptography and computation of the number pi.

Dr Cooper’s recent work includes a comprehensive study of the fundamental formulas in Ramanujan’s theories of elliptic functions to alternative bases. His research exhibits excellence in both its contribution to mathematics and in its originality.

Massey alumna Professor Christine Winterbourn was awarded the Rutherford Medal, the supreme award in New Zealand science.

Professor Winterbourn studied for her PhD at Massey from 1965 to 1968. She has made several seminal discoveries concerning the fundamental biochemistry of free radicals and how they contribute to host defence and oxidative stress. She is internationally recognised as a leading authority on the biochemistry and biology of free radicals and antioxidants.

Professor Winterbourn has also been a strong advocate for fundamental research in New Zealand, contributed much to the national scientific scene through administration of various research bodies, and has been an excellent mentor to numerous students and fellow scientists.