Dr Beatson said that when he began work in Nelson - its sunny weather making for perfect hop-growing conditions - the industry had already produced some world-leading selections with unique chemistry profiles. Since then, research advances have brought the country to a position where its exported hops target the premium end of the industry, even with New Zealand growing less than 1 per cent of the world's hop crop.
Dr Beatson described the Kiwi-grown cultivars as "quite fruity", with two aroma varieties - Motueka and Riwaka - proving "rock stars" in the craft-brewing scene.
"Some are more tasty than others. We have one called Nelson Sauvin, which got its name from its grape-like characteristics."
The co-operative was also working closely with New Zealand craft breweries and a government grant had been awarded to boost exports of the hops and the Kiwi brewers who used them towards an annual goal of $200 million by 2030.
Last year, Dr Beatson also helped open an on-site micro-brewery that can produce 50 litres of beer at a time from some of the 3000 different cultivars of hops grown at the station.
As for what he likes to drink at home, Dr Beatson rates a good Indian pale ale - particularly malty ones.
"Obviously, I like hoppy beers, but I'm not too touchy about it. There's now a whole range of great products, and really, I like nothing better than going into a supermarket and choosing a beer I've never tried before."
Other finalists in the awards, to be held in June, include Professors Andy Buchanan and Phil Butler of the University of Canterbury and Dr Stephen Sowerby of Otago University.
Lofty potential for engineer's wooden high rises
The thought of high-rise buildings built from wood might seem unusual, yet the pioneering research of a Kiwi engineer is helping fast make it a reality.
Work by Professor Andy Buchanan and his team at the University of Canterbury have changed the perception of structural timber and led to designs that can directly compete with the concrete and steel creations that dominate our city skylines today.
The timber-based structures, made possible by post-tensioned timber frame technology Professor Buchanan pioneered, also had the benefit of being made of more environmentally-friendly and proved stronger and safer in earthquakes.
"Up until now, people thought that it's only steel and concrete you can use, but what we have shown at Canterbury is that anything with concrete and steel you can do, you can also do with wood," said Professor Buchanan, a finalist in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.
A nine-storey timber building has been built in Melbourne, while there are plans for a 14-storey building in Norway, a 24-storey structure in Vienna and 30-storey building in Vancouver.
Timber buildings will also form part of the Christchurch rebuild.
From the exterior, the structures appeared like any other, but on the inside, their beams and framing could be noticed.
"The people who work and live in them just love it."
