Dr Barratt was presented with her award at the recent Science New Zealand’s 2019 National Awards Ceremony. At the gala event her pioneering and internationally relevant research and risk assessment into the biosafety of introduced insect biocontrol agents was recognised and acknowledged.

The selection committee said Dr Barratt’s research is an outstanding example of significant and ongoing impact to New Zealand and global biocontrol science and practice.

Dr Barratt, who is based at AgResearch’s Invermay Research Station is B3’s theme leader for research that looks at risk assessments of intentional (ie biocontrol agents) and unintentional introductions. B3 Director David Teulon said the well-deserved award is a wonderful recognition for this key member of the B3 team.

The contribution of B3 researchers was also acknowledged at the recent New Zealand Biosecurity Awards. The Myrtle Rust Research Consortium won a top biosecurity award for its integrated and rapid research response to myrtle rust. The Consortium won the Bio-Protection Research Centre Science Award in the 2019 Biosecurity Awards.