University of Hawai'i-Manoa researchers Robert Bidigare, Ralf Ingo Kaiser and Michael C. Liu have been named the 2007 Regents' Medal for Excellence in Research recipients by the UH Board of Regents.

The award recognizes scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community.

Bidigare is a professor of oceanography at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology. His research concerns bio-optics, pigments, the foundation of the marine food web and the effects of UVB radiation.

Ingo Kaiser is a professor of chemistry. His research is on how molecules form in extraterrestrial environments. Since arriving at Manoa less than five years ago, he has published 54 articles in international peer-review journals.

Liu, an associate researcher at the Institute for Astronomy, has worked on diverse observational projects, including proto-planetary disks, brown dwarfs, distance scales to galaxies, star formation and stellar population analysis to galaxies from infrared imaging.

The three researchers will be recognized for their contributions to the university, along with other UH award winners, at a systemwide ceremony on Sept. 5.

TUTORING SERVICE FEDERALLY FUNDED

Registration is under way for federally funded tutoring, and applications are available at eligible public schools.

For the 2007-2008 school year, more than $5 million in federal funds can be allocated to provide these services for 86 eligible schools in Hawai'i.

It's All About Kids, a state-approved Supplemental Educational Service provider, is serving kindergartners through 12th-graders with tutoring services. For additional information, contact school officials, call It's All About Kids at 487-KIDS (5437) or go to www.smartkidshawaii.com.

UH-HILO RANKS HIGH IN DIVERSITY

The University of Hawai'i- Hilo is tied for sixth place among the nation's liberal arts colleges for ethnic and racial diversity among the student body in the 2008 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings will be published in the magazine's Aug. 27 issue.

UH-Hilo had the highest percentage of Asian-Americans among liberal arts colleges in the U.S., at 50 percent. The university, which ranked in the fourth tier overall among liberal arts colleges, is tied with Brigham Young University-Hawai'i, where the percentage of Asian-Americans stood at 40 percent.

For more information about the rankings and the changes in methodology employed by U.S. News, visit the magazine at www.usnews.com/colleges.

PUBLIC MEETINGS ON REGENT PROCESS

The University of Hawai'i's Board of Regents Advisory Council is holding public meetings this week on proposed rules and procedures for nominating candidates to the boards. Remaining two-hour meetings include: