Research Groups at UOC
The University of Otago is New Zealand's most research intensive university. It is also the top-ranked university for research quality (based on PBRF evaluations).
Arthritis Research Theme
The aims of the Arthritis Research Theme are to strengthen research into arthritis within the University of Otago by encouraging laboratory and clinical research into the many different forms of this condition, and to increase the profile of arthritis and arthritis research within New Zealand.
Biostatistics
Biostatisticians in the University of Otago, Christchurch are involved in research, consultancy and teaching.
Breath Research Group
Our goal is to design non-invasive breath tests for the detection of infectious lung pathogens.
Canterbury Comprehensive Cancer Centre (C4)
The C4 brings together all those managing patients with cancer, those researching cancer, together with support groups and NGOs, and the community. It is a virtual centre which aims to bring best care for cancer in our community, enhance relevant research and to de-mystify cancer and its treatment. Contributing organisations include the University of Otago, Christchurch, the CDHB, Canterbury University and the Cancer Society.
Carney Centre for Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes influence a patient's responses to drugs.
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.
Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies
The Centre is actively involved in research that advances nursing practice and improves health outcomes for patients nationally and internationally.
Children's Cancer Research Group
We are interested in the biology and genetics of childhood solid tumours and we work closely with the Developmental Genetics Research Group in the Department of Surgery, who are investigating the developmental mechanisms leading to congenital abnormalities.
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.
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 Kidney Research Group
Established in 2004, the CKRG is dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most intractable problems facing the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease
Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReATE) Group
Tissue engineering (TE) strategies which aim to combine patient’s own cells, biodegradable scaffolds and growth factors may offer considerable advantages over current surgical interventions used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues following trauma or disease.
Clinical Pharmacology Research Group
The main research focus for the group is on the clinical application of pharmacology knowledge.
Developmental Genetics Research Group
We are interested in the biology and genetics of developmental disorders, particularly the major surgical conditions. Our research has focussed on the role of Sonic Hedgehog and its downstream genes on development of the primitive foregut and hindgut, and aberrations in its expression in oesophageal atresia. We have also studied iPS differentiation into peristaltic contracting sheets of smooth muscle cells.
Eye Movement Research
In the Eye Movement Laboratory we use a variety of methods to make digital recordings of saccades, smooth pursuit eye movements and nystagmus.
Gene Structure and Function Laboratory
Research in the Gene Structure and Function Laboratory (GSFL) centers around the role of genetic variation in the development and treatment of disease.
General Practice Research Group
The Christchurch General Practice Research Group focuses on clinical research, where the results can be directly translated into clinical practice.
Haematology
Our main area of research interest is the immunobiology of cancer and leukaemia. Our long term aim is to develop better methods for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant disease.
Health Care of the Elderly
This is a group of academic gerontologists and geriatricians with interests and enthusiasm in teaching, research and service related to care of older people.
Helicobacter Research Group
Much of our current research centres on the gastric pathogen, Helicobacter pylori and the role that small outer membrane vesicles (OMV) shed from the bacterial surface play in the development of H. pylori-associated disease, including gastric cancer.
Inflammation Research Group
The group has an active research programme on the molecular pharmacology and molecular pathology of various inflammatory conditions such as acute pancreatitis, polymicrobial sepsis and burns with the long-term goal of developing clinically effective therapeutic approaches.
Laboratory for Cell and Protein Regulation
The main themes are endocrine regulation of reproduction, female fertility, assessment of fetal welfare and gynaecological cancer.
Liver Sieve Research Group
The Liver Sieve research group has an interest in the fine vessels of the liver.
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
We are interested in the pathology of human tumours and in identifying the genetic changes that give rise to cancer. Our research focuses on the molecular regulation of tumour growth, metastasis and response to therapy.
Māori Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI)
The opening of the Māori/Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI) represents a major milestone in the development of Māori-focused teaching and research at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch.
Maternal & Fetal Health
Ongoing data is collected for both the (i) Fetal Medicine clinical unit which reviews women with complicated fetal problems or those at risk for them, and the (ii) Maternal Medical clinic where women attend with underlying medical problems.
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.
Molecular Pathology Lab
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory is one of the leading molecular diagnostic laboratories in Australasia.
National Addiction Centre
A university-based National Centre dedicated to developing and promoting effective interventions for people with addiction and co-existing disorders related problems in Aotearoa New Zealand.
New Zealand Health Technology Assessment
New Zealand Health Technology Assessment (NZHTA) was a clearing house for health outcomes and health technology assessment, operating from 1997-June 2007. NZHTA is no longer active but publications can still be accessed.
New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis
To find out more about MS in New Zealand, a team of researchers from the Universities of Otago and Canterbury are carrying out a national prevalence study in conjunction with the MS Society of NZ.
Public Health Research
Public Health is the study and practice of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting the health of the population through the organised efforts of society.
Surgery Research
Including Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Clinical Trials, Clinical Studies, Laboratory-based Research, Ophthalmology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Endovascular and Transplant Surgery (VETS)
Van der Veer Institute
Experienced researchers and talented young students use sophisticated technologies to push back the boundaries of knowledge in brain disorders.