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Who We Are

Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research

Research Medal Award Winner

Robert Thomson, headshot

Robert Thomson
Biology

Robert Thomson is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Thomson is an evolutionary biologist who specializes in discovering the history of life using the vast influx of data generated by the advancing genomic revolution in the life sciences.

His work focuses on improving statistical and bioinformatic methods for elucidating this history from complex genomic datasets, applying these methods to long-standing questions about evolutionary history, and using the answers to inform conservation efforts and protect biodiversity.

Supported by multiple National Science Foundation awards, Thomson’s research program has produced publications that generate wide interest including coverage and commentary in newspapers, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Nature; as well as a forthcoming book. He also enhances training opportunities in advanced statistical methods for evolutionary biology through teaching, mentoring, and developing widely used web-based educational resources.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research is awarded by the in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.

Please contact your Campus Chancellor's Office for more information on the application process.

Current Winners
Go to for stories on the latest honorees.

1965-2015 Honorees
2012–2015 | 2011–2007 | 2006–2002 | 2001–1965

2015

Karen Meech, headshot
Karen Meech
Astronomy
Axel Timmermann, headshot
Axel Timmermann
Oceanography

2014

Ruth Gates, headshot
Ruth Gates
Marine Biology
Andrew Howard, headshot
Andrew Howard
Astronomy
Nick Kaiser, headshot
Nick Kaiser
Astronomy

2013

Magdy Iskander, headshot
Magdy Iskander
Electrical Engineering
Bin Wang, headshot
Bin Wang
Meteorology

2012

Roger Ames, headshot
Roger Ames
Philosophy
Christopher Bae, headshot
Christopher Bae
Anthropology
Aaron Ohta, headshot
Aaron Ohta
Electrical Engineering