Dr Roger Hill, managing director of Hill Laboratories, has been appointed to the Hamilton Science Awards Trust.
Six years ago the Trust initiated The Kudos Awards, an annual gala event which recognises scientists working on a wide range of research projects throughout the Waikato region. The Trust has awarded over $155,000 to 35 scientists through its past six awards events.
Chairman of the Hamilton Science Awards Trust, Bob Simcock, says, “the Trust is honoured that Roger has accepted our invitation to join the board. He is an inspirational leader in our region’s science community and someone who has a real passion for recognising the world-class research being performed throughout the Waikato.”
“On behalf of all our Trustees, I welcome him to the board and look forward to working with him.”
Dr Hill joins other trustees, including: chairman Bob Simcock; Dr Liz Carpenter; Dr Richard Coll; Dr Ross Lawrenson; Dr Warwick Silvester; Dr Kerst Stelwagen and Ken Williamson.
In 1984, Roger Hill was a young soil scientist who left Analytical Services Ltd in Cambridge and with true Hamiltonian entrepreneurship and vision, helped by a loan from his parents, started a soil, plant and water testing laboratory in Hamilton.
In 2000 the Food and Bioanalytical division was established, further expanding the range of laboratory services being offered.
In 2005 the company set up its South Island base in Christchurch and last year, acquired a second mainland lab in Blenheim.
Hill Labs attained the Enviro-Mark Diamond certification for their Clyde Street lab in 2010. That same year, the company won a Deloittes Fast 50 award for fastest growing mature business in the Central North Island, as well as the Westpac Waikato Business of the Year Supreme Award.
The company now employs over 300 staff throughout NZ.
From small beginnings, Hill Laboratories is now the largest independent analytical laboratory in New Zealand.
The Hamilton Science Awards Trust was formed in 2007 with the purposes of recognising the contributions of Waikato scientists, encouraging high school students into the sciences and raising the profile of Waikato science achievements within the regional community.
This year’s Kudos Awards will be held in Hamilton on 26 September. Waikato born and raised TV presenter and comedian, Te Radar, has been confirmed as the MC for the event. Tickets will go on sale in August.
For more information:
Visit: www.thekudos.org.nz
