We are pleased to announce two new awards for excellence in health research that will sit alongside our prestigious Liley, Beavan and Te Tohu Rapuora medals. These new awards address gaps in our current HRC award offerings and enable us to encourage the celebration of the full spectrum of research careers.
*NEW* Catalyst in the Community Award
The HRC 'Catalyst in the Community Award' will recognise an individual or research team who have supported improved health outcomes in New Zealand through transformative, cross-disciplinary research in the health field, developed in partnership with a community.
This award, with its focus on health research that has had local/community impact beyond academia, complements our existing suite of HRC medals, particularly the Liley Medal, which focuses on research with international impact.
*NEW* Te Ata Hāpara Award
The HRC Te Ata Hāpara Award acknowledges the importance of fostering the next generation of Māori health research leaders by recognising an emerging Māori researcher who has demonstrated contribution to advancing Māori health through their research and has a promising research trajectory.
The award complements our Te Tohu Rapuora Medal, which has a focus on Māori health research leadership.
All 2025 HRC awards and medals now open for nominations
Nominations for the HRC's two new awards and our existing Liley, Beavan and Te Tohu Rapuora medals (detailed below) are now open and close at 1pm on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Liley Medal:
The Liley Medal recognises an individual or research team whose recent research has produced a significant breakthrough within the health/medical fields that is internationally recognised.
Beaven Medal:
The Beaven Medal recognises excellence in translational health research that has had high impact on clinical practice and patient health.
Te Tohu Rapuora Medal:
Te Tohu Rapuora is awarded to an individual, research team, or community group, whose work has demonstrated leadership, excellence, and contribution to advancing Māori health and/or knowledge. The award consists of a medal and a cash prize of $5000.
Please email nominations for any of our five awards/medals to medals@hrc.govt.nz. If nominating a colleague, nominators must inform the nominee. See the 'Celebrating excellence' section on our website for further information on eligibility criteria and how to make a nomination.