Roberta Farrell
Professor Roberta Farrell, of Hamilton, received the Insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit at an investiture ceremony on 3 April 2009 for services to biochemical research. She is a researcher and teacher in biochemistry and biotechnology and has specialised in fundamental and applied studies of enzymes, cellulose, fungal ecology, and bio-control research and products. Her research has also investigated Antarctic microbial biodiversity and bioprospecting and the degradation of artefacts and historic wooden huts in Antarctica. She is a director of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and has contributed to a wide range of books and journals. Professor Farrell was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2005 and the International Academy of Wood Science in 1990.