New Zealand hails expert for crowned Chinese scientist award

The New Zealand government Friday welcomed the award of China's science prize on a kiwi grasslands seed expert as an example of the deepening scientific partnership between the two nations.

Dr. Phil Rolston, senior scientist at the New Zealand's AgResearch Lincoln institute, received the award at a ceremony hosted in Beijing earlier this month.

"The International Science and Technology Co-operation Award of the People's Republic of China is that country's highest accolade for foreign scientists," New Zealand Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said in a statement.

"Dr. Rolston has dedicated more than three decades of his working life to advance grasslands seed development and pasture improvement systems, especially in Gansu province. Improved soil fertility has meant higher-quality pastures for famers, which is having a significant impact on productivity and profitability in the region," said Joyce.