Research at UOC
Research Strengths
The University of Otago, Christchurch is a research-led campus with an international reputation for excellence.
The first three groups represent the range of excellence in biomedical, clinical and public health research on the campus. Their founding directors, Professor Christine Winterbourn FRSNZ, Professor Mark Richards FRSNZ and Professor David Fergusson FRSNZ have all won the University of Otago Distinguished Research Medal as well as the University of Otago Christchurch Gold Medal for Research Excellence.
Our internationally renowned groups include:
Centre for Free Radical Research
The Centre for Free Radical Research consists of biochemists and cell biologists undertaking a range of interrelated research projects on aspects of oxidative stress and antioxidant action under the direction of Tony Kettle, Mark Hampton, Margreet Vissers and Christine Winterbourn.
Christchurch Heart Institute
Formerly the Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group (CCERG). The institute is a multidisciplinary research unit focusing on neurohumoral factors involved in the regulation of blood pressure and salt/water balance, particularly with respect to their role in the pathophysiology of heart failure.
Christchurch Health & Development Study
We have followed the health, education and life progress of a group of 1,265 children born in the Christchurch (New Zealand) urban region during mid 1977.
Mental Health Clinical Research Unit
Current studies include a psychotherapy treatment trial in depression, a psychotherapy trial in people with bipolar disorder, a comparison of three psychotherapies for binge eating, a social anxiety disorder study and a study on the genetics of depression and personality.
Clinical Pharmacology Research Group
The main research focus for the group is on the clinical application of pharmacology knowledge.
Carney Centre for Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes influence a patient's responses to drugs.
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
We are interested in the pathology of human tumours and in identifying the genetic changes that give rise to cancer.