Denmark-born Associate Prof Henrik Kjaergaard emigrated to Dunedin from Canada with wife Mette in 1996 and was appointed a lecturer in the University of Otago chemistry department, later rising to associate professor.
The university has just announced his further promotion to a full professorship early next year.
Prof Kjaergaard has also won the Maurice Wilkins Centre Prize for excellence in chemical science.
This reflected his significant contributions in the use of theoretical chemistry to address key issues in atmospheric science, New Zealand Institute of Chemistry officials said.
The $1500 prize and a plaque are awarded by the institute to the member who has made a significant contribution to chemical science, based on research published in the previous five years.
"Obviously, it's great," Prof Kjaergaard said late this week.
He has built an international reputation for his research, gaining fellowships from Japan, the United States and Denmark.
The prize provided further welcome recognition from chemistry colleagues throughout New Zealand, Prof Kjaergaard said.
Things are also going well for his wife.
After 10 years of part-time study, she will graduate today from the University of Otago with a PhD in music history in a ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall. About 500 people will graduate with degrees and diplomas in arts, law, music and theology at the 3pm ceremony.
People they knew had responded positively to her husband's promotion, and she was also delighted to be completing her studies, which had focused on dance performed at the 17th century Danish court.
"It's a huge relief to be able to close that chapter," she said.
Recent years have been busy, including helping to raise three children, Ellen (6), Erik (9) and Eva (12), and supporting her husband in his career.
The family spent a sabbatical year in Denmark in 2006.
