Barbara Hayden

Barbara June Hayden is a New Zealand marine biologist, and is Chief Scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), specialising in marine biosecurity and aquaculture. In 2019 she was elected a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and awarded the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society Award.

Academic career

Hayden grew up in New Plymouth, and gained a technical degree from Massey University. Working at the National Health Laboratories (now ESR), Hayden was responsible for assessing public safety of cultured shellfish, which led to her taking a job at the Fisheries Research Division of MAF.

Hayden pioneered research on aquaculture and marine biosecurity. She was a founding member of the New Zealand Sanitation Committee, which drew up quality assurance guidelines for exported shellfish.

Honours and awards Hayden was elected a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2019.

In 2019 Hayden was awarded the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society Award "for her substantial contribution to marine science in New Zealand over a long and distinguished career that has included setting strategic research directions, leading major research programs, and mentoring emerging researchers".

Personal life Hayden is married to Dave Schiel, professor of marine science at the University of Canterbury.

Selected works