12 November 2002 NZ's Top Science Communicator

Biochemist Dr Jonathan Hickford of Lincoln University has been named the country's top science communicator for 2002 by the New Zealand Association of Scientists.

Christchurch born and bred and a past pupil of Cashmere High School, Dr Hickford has a doctorate from Otago University and has been a staff member at Lincoln University since 1989.

A Senior Lecturer in Lincoln's Animal and Food Sciences Division, he is a specialist in molecular genetics with particular interests in gene sequencing, gene typing, immunology and genetic analysis.

Dr Hickford had an early involvement with the development of forensic DNA "fingerprinting" and DNA profiling in New Zealand and most recently has been involved with the development of a gene marker technique to identify foot rot resistant sheep. He's now working on similar research in relation to mastitis in cows. Both projects are of immense economic significance to New Zealand.

Dr Hickford has been a tireless speaker on the subject of Genetic Modification and has spoken to groups up and down the country, written numerous articles and been interviewed dozens of times on the subject.

He has been Chief Judge of the Canterbury-Westland Science and Technology Fair since 1995 and his Science Communicator Award is for excellence in communicating science issues of public interest. It was presented to him at a NZ Association of Scientists' ceremony at Lincoln University on 7 November.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.