Prof Christine Winterbourn, who has spent most of her 40-year research career at the university's Christchurch campus, is the first woman to win the medal since the award was established in 1991.
She was presented with the medal and a cheque for $100,000 by Science and Technology Minister Dr Wayne Mapp at a function in Wellington last night.
Prof Winterbourn, a world authority on free radicals (highly reactive atoms and molecules which attack the body and contribute to diseases such as cancer, strokes, heart disease and arthritis) was one of the first scientists to demonstrate people's bodies produce free radicals as part of their normal function. She has published more than 260 scientific papers, mostly in international journals.
It was an "overwhelming experience and a real honour" to receive the medal, she said.
It was also an honour to be the first woman recipient.
"When I started my scientific career, women scientists were very much in the minority. There have, of course, been huge changes since then, and with many women scientists in the community I know I will be the first of many."
Last year's medal recipient was Prof Warren Tate, of Dunedin, who was honoured for his work in molecular biology.
Three other Otago University researchers were among the 14 scientists recognised last night. Prof Jim Flynn, a long-serving staff member in the department of politics, was the inaugural recipient of the Humanities Aronui Medal.
He emigrated to New Zealand from the United States in 1963 and has been an Otago staff member for 44 years.
He received his medal in recognition of his world-renowned work on IQ that led to his discovery of what has become known as the "Flynn Effect" - the phenomenon of IQ scores increasing over time in many countries. This has become one of the most highly cited discoveries to originate from New Zealand in the 20th century.
Prof Flynn said he was pleased to be recognised in the field of humanities.
"Up till now, I have been recognised mainly for my work in the area of philosophy, so I am very pleased about this."
Dr Chris Pemberton, from the department of medicine at the Christchurch campus, received the Health Research Council's Liley Medal. The medal recognises research which has made an outstanding contribution to health and medical sciences.
He was honoured for his work with colleagues in the Christchurch cardioendocrine research group which uncovered evidence of a new biomarker for early stage heart damage. Their discovery could significantly accelerate the clinical diagnosis of heart attacks.
Prof Robert Poulin, from the Dunedin zoology department, received the Hutton Medal for excellence in animal sciences.
He was cited for his leading research in the field of parasitic diseases in aquatic organisms and fish.
He and his research team have identified parasites new to science and have documented the transmission routes of numerous parasitic worms from host to host and their effects on survival and reproduction of key aquatic animals.
A Canadian, Prof Poulin emigrated to Dunedin almost 20 years ago to take up a position with Otago.
Receiving the medal was a great honour, he said.
"When I look at the list of previous recipients, I feel privileged to join their ranks."
The honours
Rutherford Medal: Christine Winterbourn
Humanities Aronui Medal: Jim Flynn
Liley Medal: Chris Pemberton
Hutton Medal: Robert Poulin
