Emeritus Prof John Langley was yesterday presented with an award by ACC Minister Judith Collins for his work helping build world-class injury prevention research, policy and practice.
Ms Collins praised his "significant contribution" to raising the profile and capability of injury prevention in New Zealand and overseas.
"Throughout his career, Prof Langley has been a strong advocate for improvements in injury prevention policy to bring our nation's injury prevention science and practice into the modern age."
Prof Langley became the founding director of the University of Otago's injury prevention research unit in 1990, 12 years after he first began researching injury prevention in 1978.
His work tackled issues of alcohol-related harm, young drivers, self-harm and disability following injury, among a wide range of injury prevention issues.
He also served as deputy editor of the Injury Prevention journal, and was acknowledged for his efforts by the American Public Health Association, which awarded the International Distinguished Career Award in 2004.
