SPCS Academics
Research-inspired teaching programmes at our School benefit from the research strengths of our School. For example, eight of our academics are investigators with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, which was recently refunded with NZ$48 million as the NZ government recognised its research excellence for a fourth time. Three of our academics are investigators with the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, a world-class physical sciences research network in NZ focused on light and its interaction with matter, which was also recently re-funded with NZ$37 million.
Highlights
All our academics are research active world-class leaders in their fields, many of whom have secured numerous teaching and research awards.
UC astronomer Dr Bannister is featured by BBC in the exploration of interstellar space
“When you look at different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, that area of space is very different from the blackness we perceive with our eyes,” says Dr Michele Bannister.
UC chemistry expert Dr Crittenden is developing infinitely rechargeable batteries
Dr Deborah Crittenden is currently working on designing new energy storage liquids for use in redox flow batteries, and a novel nitrate sensor system based upon laser-induced photochemistry coupled to simple detection methods.
UC chemist Prof Fairbanks wins top prize for excellence in chemical science
In 2018 the premier prize of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) was awarded to Prof Antony Fairbanks based on the excellence and impact of his chemistry.
UC astrophysicist Dr Bannister has helped to find more than 800 planets
Dr Michele Bannister, a lecturer in Astrophysics, is an expert in the discovery and characterisation of minor planets in the solar system. She has been involved in the discovery of more than 800 minor planets that orbit beyond Neptune, and she even has an asteroid named after her!
UC scientists design award-winning laser sensor for nitrates in water and soil
UC scientists – physical chemist A/Prof Deborah Crittenden and environmental chemist Prof Sally Gaw - are collaborating to develop a laser sensor capable of measuring nitrates in the field.
A/Prof Vladimir Golovko is one of the Tech Jumpstart winners for a technology that may help to save waterways
UC scientists - A/Prof Vladimir Golovko and A/Prof Aaron Marshall - are working on a novel electrochemical sensing system for nitrates. This emerging technology could revolutionise nitrate monitoring in waterways.
Prestigious teaching medal awarded to UC chemistry Prof Hartshorn
“Prof Richard Hartshorn has established teaching methods that enable him to achieve optimal results with students of a wide range of abilities, from those who struggle at the university level to top-notch honours students", the nomination said.
UC Distinguished Prof Kerr’s black hole theory proven right
Astronomers have captured the first image of a black hole, proving the UC Canterbury Distinguished Prof Roy Kerr’s 56-year-old solution correct. Check out a capture of a black hole by the Event Horizon Telescope.
World-leading UC physicist Prof Butler wins Innovation Medal
Renowned as a predominant driver in the excellence of innovation of medical technology, Prof Phil Butler’s work on the MARS spectral x-ray scanner, developed in conjunction with his son, Prof Anthony Butler, is of particular note.
Prof Butler is awarded KiwiNet Researcher Entrepreneur Award
This award category recognises an entrepreneurial researcher who has made outstanding contributions to business innovation or has created innovative businesses in New Zealand through technology.
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