22 Nov 2012

Chemist wins top science awards

11:34 am on 22 November 2012

An Auckland University chemist has been awarded New Zealand's top honours for science.

Professor Margaret Brimble and her team recently developed a drug for treating traumatic brain injuries and are set to start clinical trials next year on a vaccine for melanoma.

At a Royal Society event on Wednesday night, Professor Brimble won the Rutherford Medal for the country's top scientist, the Hector Medal for excellence in chemistry and the MacDiarmid Medal for research with large benefit for human health.

It was the first time a scientist has won three Royal Society Research Honours in one year.

Professor Brimble has also done work in fighting cancer and treating Alzheimer's.

It was only the second time in 21 years that the Rutherford Medal has been won by a woman. Professor Brimble also received $100,000.