The Prime Minister's chief science advisor has won the top honour in this year's Sir Peter Blake leadership awards.

The awards to recognise leaders setting an outstanding example for young people to emulate were dished out at Auckland Museum last night.

Sir Peter Gluckman was surprised to take away the Blake Medal.

Gluckman said there is nothing nicer than being recognised by your peers or by people you highly respect.

Sir Peter has previously been New Zealander of the Year. He has also won the Rutherford Medal and been made a Member of the Order of New Zealand.