UC geologist honoured for quake response
14 November 2011
A University of Canterbury geologist who helped the nation understand what was going on under the Canterbury Plains after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 has received national recognition for his work.
A University of Canterbury geologist who helped the nation understand what was going on under the Canterbury Plains after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 has received national recognition for his work.
Dr Mark Quigley (Geological Sciences) has been presented with the New Zealand Association of Scientists' Science Communicator's Award for 2011, receiving his award from the Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Wayne Mapp at a ceremony held in Wellington.
Dr Quigley, a Senior Lecturer in Tectonics and Geomorphology, became the “go-to scientist” for media in the wake of the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes, fronting hundreds of interviews and providing the general public with information on the Canterbury region’s seismic activity.
He appeared regularly on national news programmes, in national papers and on international television. He also met with Prime Minister John Key and talked science with Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker on several occasions.
After the September 2010 earthquake Dr Quigley gave free public lectures on the event at the University, which attracted more than 1500 people. An earthquake lecture series held after the 22 February earthquake – which included presentations by other UC academics – also attracted large numbers.
Science Media Centre Manager Peter Griffin, who judged the award, said from the morning of 4 September 2010 Dr Quigley was “at the forefront of science communication around the forces at work beneath the Canterbury plains”.
“Dr Quigley was on the front foot from the beginning, handling media interviews across print and broadcast and doing so in such an engaging way that he became the go-to scientist for independent commentary on the science-related aspects of the earthquakes,” said Mr Griffin.
“Throughout, Dr Quigley has maintained a blog where he writes about his research, contributes extensively when called on by the media and participates in public lectures and presentations that have been greatly appreciated by the people of Canterbury. He is a scientist who understands the need for effective science communication and is willing to step up and engage with the media in the name of improving the public's understanding of science. He is a great asset to natural hazards research in New Zealand and to science communication in general.”
For more information please contact:
communications@canterbury.ac.nz
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