Award information
Research creates opportunities for innovation that shape how we live, work, connect, and respond to the challenges of the future.
The UC Innovation Medal recognises researchers whose work has delivered outstanding innovation outcomes.
2025 recipient
As a junior rugby coach and father of three rugby-playing sons, Professor Draper was motivated to study head collisions in the sport both as a supporter of the game and as a researcher.
Past recipients
2024
- Professor Julia Rucklidge - School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
2023
- Professor Gail Gillon - UC Child Wellbeing Research Institute, New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour
- Professor Brigid McNeill - School of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
- Associate Professor Alison Arrow - School of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
- Dr Amy Scott - UC Child Wellbeing Research Institut
2022
- Professsor Ann Brower - School of Earth and Environment
- Jennifer Smith - School of Leadership and Professional Practice
- Professor Angus Macfarlane - Faculty of Education
- Dr Matiu Tai Rātima
- Dr Te Hurinui Karaka-Clarke
2019
- Professor Geoff Rodgers - Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase - Department of Mechanical Engineering
2018
Professor Phil Butler - MARS Bioimaging Ltd, Medical Laser Developments Ltd
2016
- Associate Professor Michael Tarren-Sweeney - School of Health Sciences
2015
- Associate Professor Rick Beatson - School of Mathematics and Statistics
2014
- Distinguished Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee - School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
2013
- Professor Andy Buchanan - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Associate Professor Stefano Pampanin - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Dr Alessandro Palermo - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
2010
- Professor Keith Alexander - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Media enquiries
The UC Marketing, Communications and Events team handles all media requests.