Our Research Theme investigates fundamental questions of our human past that have pressing implications for human society today in Aotearoa, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia.
Leadership in biocultural health
The University of Otago has international leaders in:
- Archaeology
- Biological anthropology
- Biomedical genetics
- Child and public health
- Dental epidemiology
- History
- Medical (social) anthropology
- Sociology
Our work is instrumental in current knowledge of prehistoric life in our region, and it is changing our conception of the development of social inequality, and adaptation, in prehistoric times.
We aim to:
- Increase the Theme's research capacity through interdisciplinary and collaborative contributions to our research fields
- Attract, support, and retain indigenous students
- Strengthen our local, national, and international profile of our research leadership
Steering committee
Professor Siân Halcrow
Department of Anatomy
Co-director, and research interests in infant and child health and disease in prehistoric Southeast Asia.
Professor Hallie Buckley
Department of Anatomy
Co-director, and research interests in palaeopathology in New Zealand, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia.
Professor Tony Merriman
Department of Biochemistry
Research interests in genetic and environmental causes of gout in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Mr Tuari Potiki
Office of Māori Development
Cultural advisor.
Faumuina Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga
Associate Dean Pacific, Division of Health Sciences
Cultural advisor.