An award that gets at the heart of CACR

I can't link to Victoria University of Wellington's internal newsletter but I'm going to share something from it anyway. If I'm stealing the thunder of some later media release, so be it!

The 7 March edition includes a great announcement:

I am delighted to announce the winners of our inaugural Public Contribution Award. They are Professor Bob Buckle, Professor Colleen Ward, and the Classics, Greek and Latin team comprising eight members: Dr Matthew Trundle, Professor Arthur Pomeroy, Dr Judy Deuling, Dr Diana Burton, Dr Babette Puetz, Professor Jeff Tatum, Dr Mark Masterson and Dr David Rosenbloom.

CACR's own Colleen Ward has been recognised for this brand-new award.

Colleen's award is a result of her connection with many people and groups throughout academia, government, and the community. Typically, Colleen herself insists the award belongs to CACR and the network of people who work with us and support us.

Fair enough Colleen, but let's also take this opportunity to recognise your enormous vision and leadership! Many congratulations for the award.

And well done also to VUW. An award for public contribution is a wonderful initiative that CACR enthusiastically supports.

In fact, the award goes right to the heart of CACR and what we exist to do. The "A" in our name stands for "Applied", and for us that means trying hard to deliver research that actually matters to people on the ground.

Our goal is to get knowledge off the research shelves and into the hands of those who can use it.

I hope other research institutions take note, and that our colleagues and friends elsewhere can similarly enjoy recognition for their contributions to the well-being and success of the New Zealand community.