PHF Science experts were among the winners at the annual Science New Zealand National Awards, presented at Parliament last night (26 May 2026). The awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of scientists across New Zealand. They acknowledge research that benefits the nation, showcasing innovation, collaboration and excellence.
PHF Science Chief Executive Ashley Bloomfield said the awards recognised not only world-class science, but also the incredible people whose expertise, innovation and commitment are helping improve outcomes for New Zealanders. “It is a privilege to work alongside such talented and committed people at PHF Science. The impact of their work is felt every day in the safety, health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, and these awards reflect the exceptional calibre of our scientific team.”
Collaboration for Impact: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) team
Congratulations to PHF Science’s invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) team, who took out the top award in the Collaboration for Impact category
This recognition celebrates an extraordinary collaborative effort to tackle a serious vaccine-preventable disease. Led by the IPD team and microbiology reference laboratories at PHF Science, and working alongside the Public Health Agency, PHARMAC, University of Otago, University of Auckland, clinicians, and public health partners across New Zealand, this team turned high-quality science into real-world health impact.
Their surveillance, genomics and epidemiological research identified changes in New Zealand’s IDP landscape, including the emergence of serotype known as 19A, and provided evidence that supported the reintroduction of the broader-coverage pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into the National Immunisation Programme in 2022. The result was a 50 per cent reduction in IPD incidence among young children in the two years since the change, and a 70 per cent reduction in vaccine-specific IPD among young Māori and Pacific children.
This work demonstrates the value of science in action for New Zealand – collaborative, evidence-led and delivering measurable impact for our most vulnerable.
Individual / Lifetime Achievement: Diana Kappatos
Congratulations to Diana Kappatos, who was honoured with the Individual / Lifetime Achievement award. For more than 50 years, Diana has dedicated her career to advancing forensic science in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, transforming the fields of forensic toxicology, public health and justice.
Since joining PHF Science (and its predecessor organisations) in 1988, Diana has helped build the analytical capability and scientific rigour underpinning New Zealand’s forensic toxicology services. Her work has spanned tens of thousands of cases, from analytical method development and expert court testimony to mentoring future toxicologists and setting national quality standards.
In recent years, Diana’s pioneering work on novel psychoactive substances has helped shift forensic toxicology from a reactive discipline to a proactive public health tool. Her leadership was instrumental in the development of High Alert / NZ Drug Early Warning System (NZDEWS), a world-leading system helping to identify emerging drug threats and enabling rapid, life-saving harm reduction responses across Aotearoa.
Through initiatives like the Unknown Substances in Emergency Departments (USED) programme, and Integrated Drugs Early Advisory System (IDEAS) platform, as well as her community outreach during the 2017–2020 synthetic cannabinoid crisis, Diana has helped ensure clinicians, communities and whānau receive timely, trusted information when it matters most, saving lives and reducing harm.
Her legacy is profound: stronger science, safer communities, a more responsive justice system, and a global reputation for excellence in forensic toxicology. Congratulations, Diana, on an exceptional and enduring contribution to science and society.