Otago is a province with a rich history of establishing firsts. We have led the way in many fields, and that tradition continues. Researchers at the University of Otago are attracting international attention, with some granted millions of dollars for cutting-edge projects. So what are they up to? Reporter John Gibb, in a fortnightly series, does his own research on the researchers.
Ground-breaking research being led by University of Otago medical graduate Ayesha Verrall could help identify new ways to prevent one of the world's big killers - tuberculosis.
It is hoped the work will provide crucial insights into the immune system.
Dr Verrall (34), who was Otago University Students' Association president in 2001, is undertaking much of her research in Bandung, Indonesia's third-largest city and provincial capital of West Java.