The New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS) recognised University of Waikato researcher Dr Terry Isson with the prestigious Hill Tinsley Medal last night at the 2025 NZAS conference in Wellington. The award, which recognises excellence among early and mid-career researchers across the physical and earth sciences, acknowledges his outstanding contributions to understanding how the Earth's climate system operates and his leadership in emerging carbon removal strategies.
Dr Isson, a Senior Lecturer in Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science in Tauranga, has become an international leader in research that explains how different processes combine to give rise to climate stability or extreme climate events. His work has reshaped scientific understanding by showing that climate regulation depends not only on the removal of carbon dioxide through weathering, but also through the process of clay formation on land or in the sea - the latter sometimes referred to as reverse weathering. This process recycles carbon dioxide back into the ocean and atmosphere and plays a major role in maintaining ocean chemistry and global climate conditions.
Dr Terry Isson
The Hill Tinsley Medal recognises Dr Isson for a series of influential achievements. His research has demonstrated how the formation of clays influenced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and climate throughout Earth’s history. This includes periods of extreme warming and recovery after mass extinction events. His work also looks at using novel methods of reconstructing Earth’s temperature history. Since 2018 he has published extensively in leading international journals including Nature, Science and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. His work combines geochemical measurements, climate modelling and sediment records to provide new insight into the processes that shape Earth’s long-term climate.
Dr Isson says he is honoured to receive the recognition. “I will do my best to live up to it by continuing to pursue the science and by supporting the work of others striving to understand and protect our planet.”
Dr Isson also leads New Zealand’s flagship research programme that adopts an Earth system science approach to critically assess the true potential of enhanced alkalinity methods as a carbon dioxide removal strategy. His team is carrying out field trials across New Zealand and providing advice to government, iwi and industry on approaches that support durable carbon drawdown. His research has further strengthened national and international understanding of how natural processes can inform modern climate solutions.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Gary Wilson says the award reflects the significance of Dr Isson’s contribution. “Dr Isson’s work is exceptional in both its scientific impact and its relevance to New Zealand’s climate goals. He has advanced global understanding of long-term climate regulation and is contributing to practical climate solutions in partnership with communities and industry. We are proud to see his achievements recognised at this level.”
Dr Isson’s achievements reflect the quality of research leadership at the University of Waikato and highlight the University’s contribution to global climate science.
