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This year's news:
The 2019 Otago Microbiology & Immunology and Biochemistry Research Celebration
Friday, 29 November 2019 2:23pm
As the Dunedin heat built up last Friday, many scientists were found to be sheltering from the unusual weather conditions in the cool comfort of the Fullwood Room, in the Dunedin Town Hall. The Otago Microbiology & Immunology and Biochemistry Research Celebration is held every two years, and encourages researchers from the two departments to meet en masse, prising themselves out of their labs to share their research stories and find out what is happening in the building next door.
Fantastic year for ‘blue skies’ research at Otago Biochemistry
Friday, 8 November 2019 4:38pm
Otago Biochemists are celebrating the results of the 2019 Marsden Fund applications this week, with five imaginative and exciting projects led by researchers in the Department of Biochemistry chosen for funding support.
Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award
Tuesday, 5 November 2019 9:42am
University of Otago researchers are the recipients of an inaugural Marsden Fund Council Award worth $3 million to investigate genetic predisposition to metabolic diseases like diabetes and gout among Pacific people.
Biochem helps bring Being Brainy to Central Otago
Monday, 21 October 2019 12:29pm
Children in Central Otago learned about the wonders of the human brain earlier this month, thanks to an initiative by Brain Research New Zealand, and volunteers from the Universities of Otago and Auckland.
Scientists and artists peer into each other’s worlds
Monday, 30 September 2019 11:08am
Otago Biochemistry research into a seaweed protein and ice formation have inspired the creation of two beautiful artworks: a knitted cowl and a piece of contemporary embroidery, part of a recent exhibition of art inspired by science held at the Otago Museum.
Less flowering, better farming the goal of Otago research
Wednesday, 25 September 2019 12:06pm
A quintessential Kiwi landscape usually includes green pastures dotted with livestock munching on healthy, vibrant grass.
PhD, Postdoc & Beyond …
Tuesday, 24 September 2019 3:26pm
Yesterday, the newly-minted University of Otago Postdoctoral Association hosted a very successful careers symposium for early career scientists. The keynote address was given by Professor Juliet Gerrard, the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.
2019 Endeavour Fund Success for Otago Biochemistry
Wednesday, 18 September 2019 3:22pm
Otago Biochemistry is celebrating this week after finding out that Associate Professor Richard Macknight and Dr Lynette Brownfield have successfully won funding from the Endeavour Fund for their project to improve New Zealand’s most important source of food for cows and sheep: ryegrass.
Time for law review on GM crops – leading academics argue
Wednesday, 18 September 2019 10:40am
A group of New Zealand’s leading plant scientists are calling for a law change, allowing them to use modern plant breeding technologies, which could be highly beneficial to New Zealand and the world.
Otago Biochemistry at Queenstown Science Extravaganza
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 9:55am
Queenstown Research Week this year was bustling with Otago Biochemistry researchers, who contributed as invited speakers, poster presenters, general delegates, and organisers. The biological science extravaganza is a cluster of meetings co-ordinated into one week, held each September. Attendees come to learn about the latest research carried out around New Zealand, do a little science networking, and enjoy the bonus of some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.
Professor Peter Dearden talks to Q+A about new genetic technologies
Tuesday, 13 August 2019 10:53am
In an interview with Jack Tame on TVNZ's Q + A programme last night, Professor Peter Dearden clearly explained why it is time for New Zealand to re-think genetic technologies.
Otago Biochemistry receives $3.6 million for research into gout, neurodegenerative disease, and new antibiotics
Thursday, 27 June 2019 10:19am
Three projects lead by principal investigators based in Otago Biochemistry have been awarded funding of about $1.2 million each, which will push forward exciting research at the molecular level that will one day underpin improved treatments for a diverse range of diseases.
Major donation supports research into early-stage cancer detection
Friday, 21 June 2019 12:34pm
The work of Professor Parry Guilford and his team at the University of Otago has received a major funding boost with a $50,000 donation from the Hugo Charitable Trust to support their work on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and cancer research.
Beautiful biochem dress highlights deep connection between science and design
Thursday, 6 June 2019 1:19pm
Emma Muir graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in May, wearing a beautiful dress that she painstakingly hand-embroidered herself.
Celebration of research at the School of Biomedical Sciences Symposium
Tuesday, 4 June 2019 12:52pm
Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry had a great time sharing their research with the rest of the Otago School of Biomedical Sciences last week at the annual BMS Postgraduate Symposium held at the Otago Museum.
Double celebration for mother and daughter
Tuesday, 21 May 2019 10:37pm
Graduation was even more special for one mother and daughter over the weekend, when they both walked across the stage to receive their doctorates.
Biochemistry celebrates graduate achievements and speaks out for critical thinking
Tuesday, 14 May 2019 1:57pm
Congratulations to everyone who graduated with a degree from the Otago Biochemistry Department on Saturday.
Olivia Kelly wins 2019 Joan Mary Anderson Award
Friday, 5 April 2019 12:04pm
Plant Biotechnology BSc(Hons) student Olivia Kelly has been awarded the 2019 Joan Mary Anderson Award in plant science.
Study helps explain why some of our famous flightless birds can’t fly
Friday, 5 April 2019 10:02am
University of Otago researchers in association with colleagues from Harvard University have discovered new evidence of what made some of New Zealand’s iconic birds such as the kiwi and extinct moa, flightless.
Otago expert explores device with potential to transform cancer survival
Monday, 1 April 2019 12:02pm
Cancer genetics and biology expert Professor Parry Guilford has received a New Zealand Health Research Council Explorer Grant to further investigate a novel device that could routinely detect early-stage cancer, potentially transforming cancer survival.
Prof Parry Guilford hosts Wanaka gastric cancer summit
Wednesday, 20 March 2019 11:33am
Wanaka shared its best scenery with a special group of national and international visitors in March. The 2019 Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Consensus Clinical Guidelines Meeting had a wide variety of attendees, including scientists, doctors, genetic counsellors, and family members directly affected by hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
Dr Jillian Evans, pharmaceutical development legend, visits Otago Biochemistry
Wednesday, 13 March 2019 12:26pm
Recently, the Department hosted one of New Zealand’s most successful expat scientists, Dr Jillian Evans.
Among her many achievements, she has helped to develop three drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and asthma, and co-found several successful pharmaceutical companies.
Lottery Health research equipment grant for Associate Professor Alan Carne
Tuesday, 12 February 2019 1:56pm
Associate Professor Alan Carne’s investigations into new health-promoting biomolecules received a boost with $100,000 from Lottery Health Research recently.
Otago Biochemistry academic promotions
Thursday, 7 February 2019 12:49pm
Congratulations to Otago Biochemistry academic staff who were promoted on the first of February.
Pipettes, soy sauce, and bleeding for the cause: Hands-on at Otago 2019
Wednesday, 23 January 2019 1:31pm
21 eager high school students joined the Department of Biochemistry last week for a taste of life studying biochemistry at the University of Otago.
Student academic awards for 2018 announced
Wednesday, 16 January 2019 11:29am
The Department of Biochemistry is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 student academic awards are Sarah MacKie (Mervyn Smith Prize, Joshua McCluskey (Petersen Prize), Cameron Reddington (400-level Edson Prize, Emily Rhoades and Helena Cooper (joint winners, 300-level Edson Prize).
