Research Excellence Awards

He manawa tītī, he manawa piharau │ Excellence in research or rangahau by an experienced researcher or kairangahau, or research or rangahau collaboration: Dr Negin Imani 

This award recognises significant research or rangahau, sustained stakeholder partnership and engagement, and research with a demonstrable impact, i.e., actual or potential impact on the economy, society, environment, culture, communities, groups, or individuals. The two whakataukī talk to the sustained flight and endurance of the manawa tītī, and the sustained strength of a manawa piharau. 

Dr Negin Imani’s research bridges architecture, biology, and climate science to create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable built environments. Her research in biomimetic adaptive buildings demonstrates innovation, academic rigour, and relevance to pressing environmental challenges. Her excellence has been recognised through several major awards, most recently an Endeavour Fund ‘Smart Ideas’ award of $1 million. 

Negin’s research has demonstrable impact across environmental, societal, and cultural domains. Her work informs sustainable design practices, supports climate resilience, and contributes to the development of regenerative built environments. Her editorial leadership in international journals and forthcoming book publications further demonstrates the reach and influence of her research. She is also a member of the Open Polytechnic Ethics Committee. 

Negin’s work exemplifies research leadership, collaboration, and impact in response to environmental challenges, making her highly deserving of this award. We are delighted to recognise her for this award.