Innovative chemistry researcher Prof Sally Brooker has been awarded the University of Otago's highest research distinction, the Distinguished Research Medal.
Prof Brooker designs and creates innovative molecules that could underpin future technologies and says gaining the award has been a ''real thrill''.
The medal recognises ''outstanding scholarly achievement''.
''I must admit it was a big surprise,'' Prof Brooker said.
Chemistry was a ''team science'', she said, referring to her research group, ''Brooker's Bunch'', and ''it's nice to have the group's work recognised''.
She also collaborated with scientists in Australia, Europe and North America.
Innovative chemistry involved not only scientific knowledge, but also imagination - ''I'm probably better at the imagination'' she added.
Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said Prof Brooker was ''an internationally recognised leader and innovator'' in her field.
And she had ''an impressive record'' in producing world-class research and in training and mentoring dozens of postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
Her research has been supported by several Marsden Fund grants and she has published more than 170 refereed journal articles.
