University of Waikato lecturer Peter Molan was one of seven Waikato scientists to receive a KuDos Award at Claudelands Events Centre last night - his was for Lifetime Achievement.
The award recognises a Waikato scientist whose research has made a major contribution to the Waikato and the international profile of New Zealand science, and Dr Molan was "quite thrilled, really" to receive it.
The Welshman has been in New Zealand for around 40 years, and spent about 31 of them investigating the honey's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
His work has already earned him a NZ Science and Technology Silver Medal and MBE.
"[Manuka honey] is the only thing in our first aid kit," he said.
"I don't like the taste of it.
"The only time I ever eat it is if I've got a sore stomach."
His research journey started in 1981, when former head of science at Otorohanga College Kerry Simpson persuaded him to investigate manuka honey as an antiseptic.
But the more Molan's read, the more convinced he became of manuka honey's healing power.
"I tried to tell medical people about it and they weren't interested.
"That's when I realised I would have to do the research to get the scientific explanation of how it worked," he said.
He has presented at medical conferences, appeared on television documentaries and in magazines, and given around 117 newspaper interviews.
That helped change the international and domestic view of the worth of manuka honey, allowed products containing it to be certified as medical devices, and significantly increased its value.
The citation for Molan's 1995 MBE said his work was the "single most important factor" in changing the perceived value of manuka honey.
And the 2001 citation for a NZ Science and Technology Silver Medal said he had "revolutionised the New Zealand honey industry and added substantially to the value of their product."
Image and story from www.stuff.co.nz
BEN CURRAN/Fairfax NZ
The award recognises a Waikato scientist whose research has made a major contribution to the Waikato and the international profile of New Zealand science, and Dr Molan was "quite thrilled, really" to receive it.
The Welshman has been in New Zealand for around 40 years, and spent about 31 of them investigating the honey's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
His work has already earned him a NZ Science and Technology Silver Medal and MBE.
"[Manuka honey] is the only thing in our first aid kit," he said.
"I don't like the taste of it.
"The only time I ever eat it is if I've got a sore stomach."
His research journey started in 1981, when former head of science at Otorohanga College Kerry Simpson persuaded him to investigate manuka honey as an antiseptic.
But the more Molan's read, the more convinced he became of manuka honey's healing power.
"I tried to tell medical people about it and they weren't interested.
"That's when I realised I would have to do the research to get the scientific explanation of how it worked," he said.
He has presented at medical conferences, appeared on television documentaries and in magazines, and given around 117 newspaper interviews.
That helped change the international and domestic view of the worth of manuka honey, allowed products containing it to be certified as medical devices, and significantly increased its value.
The citation for Molan's 1995 MBE said his work was the "single most important factor" in changing the perceived value of manuka honey.
And the 2001 citation for a NZ Science and Technology Silver Medal said he had "revolutionised the New Zealand honey industry and added substantially to the value of their product."
Image and story from www.stuff.co.nz
BEN CURRAN/Fairfax NZ
Manuka honey expert doesn't like taste
A Hamilton scientist's research on manuka honey has revolutionised the industry and earned him a prestigious award – but he doesn't even like the taste of it.