A Christchurch scientist whose pioneering research is making work safer for people on the frontline of forestry and rural firefighting has been recognised by his peers at Scion.
Richard Parker has received the Roger Newman Award for Science or Engineering Excellence – one of 12 awards presented to more than 30 Scion staff during the Crown Research Institute’s (CRI) 2022 Employee Recognition Awards.
The awards coincide with Scion’s 75th anniversary and celebrate not only individual scientific achievements, but Scion’s values of team success, respect for mātauranga Māori and ingenuity, collaboration, excellence and manaakitanga.
Dr Parker is a human factors researcher whose contributions to both science and engineering have exceeded expectations throughout his 30-year career. He specialises in developing work practices that enhance productivity and safety in dangerous occupations – primarily forest harvesting and rural firefighting. He explores robotic solutions aimed at removing workers from high-risk situations, with his research on high visibility clothing leading to garments being adopted as an industry uniform that has reduced ‘not seen’ accidents across New Zealand’s trade and primary sectors.
His vision is built on his experience as both a volunteer firefighter and a professional tree feller. Scion Chief Executive, Dr Julian Elder, says Richard has not only laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of decision-making in life-threatening environments and developed tools to augment it, he has created award-winning engineering and design solutions for industry.
“Richard’s concepts stem from caring for others and applying smart lessons from nature. This combination allows for incredible innovation in the service of others, creating a powerful vision that captures everyone’s imagination.”
Three further Scion award recipients are among nominees in three categories who will be acknowledged for their contributions at the 2022 Science New Zealand Awards being held in Parliament on 6 December. Scientists from all seven CRIs are represented.
Among the nominees for other awards is Scion Principal Researcher Dr Mike Watt, nominated for Science New Zealand’s Individual Lifetime Achievement Award. He has made significant contributions to several research areas including within the areas of forest science, weed management, forest growth modelling and, most recently, remote sensing. Having produced more than 173 peer-reviewed publications, he is one of our country’s most prolific and trusted forest researchers.
Rosie Sargent is this year’s Leadership Award recipient. She leads Scion’s high hazards committee and interactions with the speciality wood products group of Forest Growers Research.
Senior Scientist Dr Jianming Xue, whose research includes soil fertility and nutrient management, received Scion’s Recognition of Publication Success Award. He has published 72 peer-reviewed papers since 1996, which have been cited 1122 times.
