University of Otago biochemist Prof Catherine Day attended a function at Parliament, in Wellington, last night to celebrate the Marsden Fund's 20th anniversary, where she was one of about a dozen academics whose research was highlighted.
The fund supports curiosity-driven research worth about $60 million a year.
Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne, a former member of the Marsden Fund Council, was invited but could not attend.