Professor Raechel Laing.
Otago's Professor Raechel Laing has been selected to receive the most prestigious medal given by the international organisation governing her field of interest, The Textile Institute.
Professor Laing, the Director of the University's Clothing and Textiles Centre, is interested in the structure and performance of fibres, fabrics, and finished products, especially the interactions these have with the human body. Her expertise is sought after by many groups external to the University, including employers, government agencies, manufacturers, and other research and industry groups.
Her medal from The Textile Institute recognises this work, which encompasses more than 40 years of industry-relevant research, the translation of research findings through scientific publications, the media and industry reports, and involvement convening and participating in conferences in the field. She has been a member of the Institute for more than 20 years, and an elected member of The Institute's Council since 2007.
"It is international recognition of Otago's capability in the textiles/fibre sector."
She says the medal is an honour for both her and the University.
“I am delighted to be awarded this medal: it reflects collaborations of many staff and research students at the University of Otago on the broad range of textile/fibre with a wide range of organisations nationally and internationally. It is international recognition of Otago's capability in the textiles/fibre sector.”
Professor Laing will be awarded the Medal at a ceremony in Poland next year during the 90th world conference of The Textile Institute.