Mayor Dave Cull presented the award at the University of Otago Barningham Building yesterday. The award was received with recognition of the contribution of the test subjects, project director Prof Richie Poulton said.
"We have received this award on behalf of our study members.
"They are the real heroes," Prof Poulton said.
The survey is known as "the Dunedin study".
It gathers data from the lives of more than 1000 people born in 1972 and 1973.
Those participating remain anonymous.
They will be tested both physically and mentally for the rest of their lives by researchers looking for recurring social and physical traits.
This is being done to amass vital data.
Team leader Sean Hogan said he was proud of the subjects.
What made them stand out was their strong "Kiwi" nature, he said.
"What makes this study so special is the downright "Kiwi-ness" of the study members, who will travel back from wherever they are in the world to undertake testing," Mr Hogan said.
The award citation said the participants' ongoing contribution would help shape both health research and social policy.
Each participant of the study will receive a personalised A4 copy of the award in the post.
- Sarah Turner
