Frédérique Vanholsbeeck wins the Hill Tinsley Medal

Associate Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck has been awarded the 2021 Hill Tinsley Medal by the New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS). The Hill Tinsley Medal is awarded for outstanding fundamental or applied research in the physical, natural or social sciences published by a scientist or scientists within 15 years of their PhD. Her citation reads:

“Associate Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck from the University of Auckland is a physicist whose primary field of research is biophotonics, which focuses on the use of optical and laser technologies for biomedical studies. Her research on monitoring bacteria using quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy – very accurate measurement of the spectral density of the fluorescence signal – has created a better understanding on how to monitor bacterial viability and antibiotic efficiency. She has developed a near-real time, cost-effective and portable fluorometer, the optrode, for quantifying fluorescence signals leading to better food safety and antibiotic sensitivity testing. She leads a biophotonics lab undertaking both fundamental and applied research, with diverse and varied interdisciplinary collaboration. A further notable aspect of her research has been the extent to which she mentors a vibrant group of early career researchers and postgraduate research students.”