Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney, ONZM, of Warkworth, for services to science and innovation
Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney has led development of national research and development networks between researchers and companies in New Zealand to assist transforming the country’s economy.
He has been Professor at the University of Auckland since 1986 and has been Head of the Department of Chemistry and Dean of Science.
He was Pro Vice Chancellor of the University’s Tāmaki Innovation Campus, where he developed campus-community initiatives. He holds several national and international fellowships.
He has led major government-funded research programmes and held several Crown appointments.
He is an assessor for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund.
Professor Cooney has chaired various innovation groups, including Auckland Metro Innovation Group, Scion Research Ltd International Science Panel, and the Packaging Council of New Zealand Environmental Awards.