Professor Charles Brennan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences
Professor Charles Brennan is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sciences at the University of Otago and is an internationally recognised scientist with a career spanning three decades at leading institutions across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Plant Science from Wye College, London, and a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from King’s College London. His academic work has focused on the interface of food science, biochemistry and human nutrition, with particular emphasis on bioactive ingredients on human health and wellbeing. He is a fellow of a number of learned societies and serves as Editor in Chief of two JCR academic journals.
Prior to joining Otago, Professor Brennan was at RMIT University in Melbourne, where he led high impact research, mentored emerging scientists, and fostered collaborative, industry engaged research cultures.
He is deeply motivated by Otago’s legacy of research excellence and is committed to strengthening industry partnerships, accelerating innovation, and driving research that delivers tangible benefits for communities, businesses, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s future prosperity.
Contact
Charles Brennan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sciences
Tel +64 3 556 7329
Email pvc.sciences@otago.ac.nz
Charlotte Ball
Executive Assistant to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Charlotte provides executive assistance to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor including correspondence, research, compliance with University and Divisional policies, Human Resources administrative processes and general office administration.
Contact
Charlotte Ball
Executive Assistant to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Tel +64 3 479 7978
Email pvc.sciences.ea@otago.ac.nz
Emma Dewar
Senior Manager, Divisional Services and Administration
Emma‘s role as Divisional Senior Manager supporting the Sciences Division, is focussed on providing high-level operational and strategic support to advance the Division’s teaching and research goals. She leads divisional planning, resource management, and process improvement, ensuring effective delivery of key initiatives.
Emma works closely with other Divisional Senior Managers across the University to support institution-wide co-ordination and alignment, playing a central role in connecting day-to-day operations with long-term priorities
Contact
Emma Dewar
Senior Manager, Divisional Services and Administration
Mob +64 21 279 1502
Email emma.dewar@otago.ac.nz
Fraser Hunter
Manager Divisional Finance
Fraser provides expert financial advice, analysis, and support to the Division of Sciences. He collaborates with other Divisional Finance Managers and the wider Financial Services Division, and manages the team of Finance Advisory staff supporting the Division of Sciences. If a department has any financial projects or requires specialist financial analysis and support, please get in touch.
Fraser has been supporting Sciences since May 2024, and has previously worked in the Strategic Finance team. Fraser is a University of Otago graduate, and is a fully qualified member of Chartered Accountants ANZ.
Contact
Fraser Hunter
Manager Divisional Finance
Tel +64 3 556 6633
Email fraser.hunter@otago.ac.nz
Esther Sibbald
Finance Manager
Esther provides financial support and advice to administrative and academic staff in the Division of Sciences. Along with the other Finance Manager in Sciences, she also supports the Divisional Finance Manager in providing information and guidance to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) and Senior Manager on any issues which may have financial implications. Tasks include monthly reporting and analysis, financial modelling, preparation of the annual budget and ongoing forecasting.
Esther is a University of Otago graduate, completing a double major in Zoology and Ecology and then a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management in 2002. She then worked for Landcare Research and Contact Energy before heading overseas where she moved into administration and finance roles. On return to New Zealand in 2009, she joined the Zoology Department as Departmental Administrator and then Supervisor before becoming a Finance Associate in 2019 and supporting Sciences in 2020. She is currently studying part time toward a DipGrad in Accounting at Otago.
Contact
Esther Sibbald
Finance Manager
Tel +64 3 244 8484
Email esther.sibbald@otago.ac.nz
Diane Inder
Senior Administrator 
Contact
Diane Inder
Senior Administrator
Tel +64 3 556 5557
Email senioradminsciences@otago.ac.nz
Shannon Blanch
Administrator
Shannon looks forward to welcoming you to the Division of Sciences. You can find her at the reception in the Divisional Office, 3rd Floor of the Science Library where she is the first point of contact to assist with queries from students, staff, and visitors. Shannon also provides administrative assistance to her colleagues in the Divisional Office.
Contact
Shannon Blanch
Administrator
Tel +64 3 479 7534
Email science@otago.ac.nz