Prof Dave Craw is this year's recipient of the Distinguished Research Medal for outstanding scholarly achievement, demonstrating links between tectonic movement and the movement of mineral deposits, and the effect of tectonics on the development of different species.
His specialty is the formation of gold deposits, a research topic which has taken him all over the world.
''I'm lost for words,'' he said of his medal.
''I'm highly flattered, obviously. I think it's great.''
Prof Craw began working for the university in the 1980s, at the School of Mines, and said his interest in gold was partly due to his upbringing.
''I suppose I'm a local and gold is part of the fabric of Otago, really.
''I've worked all around the world; the processes happen everywhere. But I'm most interested in the processes that happen in the South Island.''
Prof Craw was scheduled to give a free public lecture, ''Otago Gold: Origins, history, landscapes, biology, resources & environment'', last night to mark his achievement.
Deputy-vice-chancellor for research Prof Richard Blaikie said the award reflected the significant contribution Prof Craw has made to his field, and the research he performed at Otago.
''He is a research powerhouse whose more than 300 publications have transformed the understanding of how mountains and landscapes develop, how mineral deposits form and how geology and biological evolution interact.
''His highly cited academic contributions have had both highly valued practical and economic impact, as well as having significantly helped to shape our understanding of the word we live in''.
Prof Craw said his research had an ''applied science bent'', rather than being blue-skies research. He felt the research medal was a recognition of applied research and its value at Otago.