Recognition for the woman behind the: 'Sleep on Side; Stillbirth Prevention Campaign

Obstetrician Lesley McCowan has been awarded this year's Gluckman Medal for her outstanding contributions to research.

The international renowned researcher has worked in the areas of foetal growth, still birth and addressing the problem of obesity in pregnant women.

It's resulted in changes in clinical practice and prompted health promotion campaigns.

One highlight is her leadership of an Auckland study that found women who slept on their backs from 28 weeks' of pregnancy had a three-fold increase in risk of still birth.