News archive

14 Jul 2022

Virtual Reality App trial shown to reduce common phobias

Results from a University of Otago, Christchurch trial suggest fresh hope for th...

30 Jun 2022

Positive reintegration of ex-prisoners’ focus of HRC grant project

Improving the health and wellbeing of Māori who re-enter society from prisons, a...

29 Jun 2022

“Quake brain” effects suffered by resilient Cantabrians fade over time – study

New University of Otago research suggests the brain function of otherwise-health...

22 Jun 2022

Christchurch campus redevelopment site blessed

Construction of the University of Otago, Christchurch’s new campus building took...

excavation of foundations enco image jpg

14 Jun 2022

If these walls could talk: bricks at Christchurch campus project site tell stories of city’s past

As the University of Otago Christchurch campus redevelopment prepares to rise fr...

10 Jun 2022

Queen’s Birthday honour for esteemed University of Otago researcher and surgeon

Professor Frank Frizelle of the Department of Surgery at the University of Otago...

08 Jun 2022

Study shows strong link between COVID‑19 and worsening mental health

The past two years have caused widespread disruption, anxiety, loss and grief wo...

31 May 2022

Christchurch High School Student wins major award with help from University of Otago mentors

Christchurch High School Student wins major award with help from University of O...

23 May 2022

University of Otago research trial of lifestyle and cooking programme reaps healthy rewards

A study by the University of Otago, Christchurch has found that every single Pas...

12 May 2022

When medicine and literature meet

Professor Dick Sainsbury has enjoyed a distinguished forty-year career as a cons...

11 May 2022

2022 HRC Explorer Grant winners – Seeking better outcomes for cancer patients

Two University of Otago, Christchurch, researchers have been awarded coveted HRC...

10 May 2022

Otago boosts economy by $1.79 billion

The University of Otago contributed $1.79 billion in total value added to the Ne...

04 May 2022

Study identifies exact amounts of extra vitamin C for optimal health

If you are carrying a few extra kilos in weight, an extra apple or two per day m...

13 Apr 2022

Call for pipe upgrades after Asbestos found in Christchurch drinking water

A new study concludes ageing underground pipes in many Christchurch suburbs are...

07 Apr 2022

New Name and Status for MIHI – the Department of Māori Indigenous Health Innovation

The seedling has grown into a mighty kahikatea at the University of Otago, Chris...

06 Apr 2022

Study calls for urgent regulation of unhealthy home deliveries

Ordering an online Uber Eats, other food, alcohol or vaping delivery from the co...

30 Mar 2022

Family donation supports Otago University research on World Bipolar Day

The generosity of a Christchurch family, in memory of a much-loved wife and moth...

28 Mar 2022

Study Reveals Link Between Early Menopause and History of Sexual Abuse

A ground-breaking University of Otago, Christchurch, study has found female vict...

17 Mar 2022

UOC Shares Painting Gifted to Christchurch Muslim Community

The University of Otago, Christchurch, has shared a painting with staff and stud...

10 Mar 2022

Otago “singing lecturer” composes waiata promoting COVID‑19 vaccinations

A new waiata has been released to encourage all our whānau to get vaccinated, wr...

09 Mar 2022

Alcohol Dependence Significantly Increases Suicide Risk – Otago Study

There are calls for changes to New Zealand’s national suicide prevention strateg...

03 Feb 2022

Professor Vicky Cameron – Chasing Genes and Climbing Mountains

Professor Vicky Cameron has devoted her distinguished University of Otago career...

02 Dec 2021

He toa takitini: Professor Suzanne Pitama appointed Dean and Head of Christchurch campus

Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) has been appointed the n...

15 Nov 2021

$2.9m HRC funding for Otago

Two Otago researchers have been awarded prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowshi...

11 Nov 2021

Fellowship funding will aid Otago researcher to alleviate organ shortage

An Otago researcher is one step closer to 3D-bioprinting functioning organs in a...

27 Oct 2021

Compulsory Treatment Orders benefit some mental health patients more than others – study

A ground-breaking University of Otago study could well influence which mental he...

07 Oct 2021

Significant psychological toll from COVID lockdown for people with histories of mental illness – study

New research suggests more priority needs to be given to support the health of N...

29 Sep 2021

Some common childhood behaviours may lead to anxiety disorders in later life – study

New research from the University of Otago has helped identify which specific chi...

01 Sep 2021

Lockdown “fear” and money worries saw patients miss vital medications – study

The swift move to electronic prescribing during the early months of the first CO...

01 Sep 2021

A call for New Zealanders – reach out to protect the health of the elderly with the move to Level 3

A University of Otago geriatrician and researcher is calling on neighbours and e...

12 Aug 2021

COVID-19 antibodies and heart health, focus of new study

Christchurch researchers are aiming to get a handle on the number of Kiwis expos...

04 Aug 2021

“Māoritanga” not a factor in becoming homeowner

New research from the University of Otago Christchurch debunks the myth that cul...

27 Jul 2021

Otago researchers receive more than $13m in Health Research Council funding

Investigating the impact of diabetes on access to cancer services, improving the...

09 Jul 2021

Otago tops class for national educational performance

The University of Otago has once again topped the key Government indicators that...

01 Jul 2021

New Vice-Chancellor appointed at University of Otago

The University of Otago announced this morning that Professor David Murdoch will...

11 Jun 2021

$1.74 million for Otago feasibility studies

The University of Otago received a total of $1.74 million for projects ranging f...

UOC Med School Oxford Terrace image 2021

10 Jun 2021

University of Otago, Christchurch building gets final approval to start work

The University of Otago Council has this week approved final and full funding fo...

04 Jun 2021

COVID-19 complacency could be costly – Otago experts

Learn lessons from our COVID-19 response, or our health system could suffer the...

31 May 2021

Otago projects receive $1.64m Health Research Council funding

Better outcomes for women suffering from New Zealand’s most common gynaecologica...

25 May 2021

Virtual reality used to confront phobias in Christchurch trial

Can virtual reality help treat people with a fear of flying or spiders?

04 May 2021

Video of Professor Tim Woodfield's Inaugural Professorial Lecture

View Professor Tim Woodfield'sInaugural Professorial Lecture video, \

30 Apr 2021

Physical punishment happening less, but still common - study

There is a clear downward trend in the number of parents using physical violence...

09 Mar 2021

Outgoing Otago Vice-Chancellor receives Honorary Doctorate

09 Mar 2021

Strong upswing in domestic enrolments at Otago University

Harvested fat treated with special chemistry and a curing light thumbnail

08 Mar 2021

Christchurch doctors develop fat-firming plastic surgery technique

A news item about the Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering...

01 Mar 2021

Research into effective interventions for gender dysphoric teens urgently needed

11 Feb 2021

Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day

10 Feb 2021

Otago launches Medical Students’ Elective Inquiry

03 Feb 2021

Eating disorders result in significant financial impact on carers

21 Dec 2020

Otago appoints Acting Vice-Chancellor

08 Dec 2020

Otago announces 26 new Professors

Twenty-six University of Otago academics have been promoted to the position of p...

01 Dec 2020

2020 Bioengineering Showcase goes hybrid

Bioengineering, Showcase, 2020, Hybrid

17 Nov 2020

3D colour scanner invented by Otago Professor to be tested in large-scale international clinical trial

3D colour scanner invented by Otago Professor to be tested in large-scale intern...

10 Nov 2020

Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding

30 Oct 2020

‘Epidemic’ of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among Māori to come under spotlight

A University of Otago researcher has been awarded a grant to undertake vital res...

29 Oct 2020

Otago health careers development boosted by $2.7 million

The work of 22 University of Otago researchers has been recognised with Career D...

13 Oct 2020

Otago study shows whole fruit vitamin C boosts ‘zest for life’

02 Oct 2020

Breakthrough findings may help prevent heart failure after a heart attack

A breakthrough discovery combining two powerful technologies looks set to help d...

30 Sep 2020

Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Showcase announced

A free hybrid event showcasing the latest achievements in bioengineering and med...

17 Sep 2020

Christchurch cardiac research group wins University’s premier award

A Christchurch research group whose work has changed the way clinicians around t...

15 Sep 2020

Otago University medical admission joint statement

15 Sep 2020

Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants

11 Sep 2020

Department of Medicine in the media

Department of Medicine in the media.

26 Aug 2020

World-first study on blood hormone could help reduce cardiovascular deaths

A simple blood test could identify seemingly-healthy people with a high hidden r...

20 Aug 2020

Infectious diseases expert awarded University’s highest honour

The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged global co-operation and highlighted the imp...

06 Aug 2020

6 August 2020, Christchurch researchers secure lion’s share of almost $1million in funding

Researchers developing a faster and less painful way of diagnosing Legionnaires’...

03 Aug 2020

NZ’s aged care sector to gain from new cardiovascular research focus

16 Jul 2020

16 July 2020, Research to help inform Māori decisions ahead of cannabis referendum

Rangatahi Māori are more likely to use cannabis or be dependent on it and more l...

30 Jun 2020

Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research

11 Jun 2020

Pūtea Tautoko provides vital support for University of Otago students

Just a few weeks since it was launched, the University of Otago student financia...

09 Jun 2020

NZ parents concerned children could catch COVID-19 at school – Otago study

06 Jun 2020

Dunedin and Christchurch Longitudinal Studies give pre–referendum perspective on cannabis

Dunedin and Christchurch Longitudinal Studies give pre–referendum perspective on...

03 Jun 2020

‘Quake brain’ study could give insight into future effects of COVID-19 crisis

‘Quake brain’ is a real phenomenon that impairs people’s memory even years after...

29 May 2020

Health of truck drivers and evening TV binge-watchers under Otago researchers’ spotlight

The health and safety of truck drivers and the impacts of evening television bin...

15 May 2020

15 May 2020, Public welcomed back to face-to-face Otago University health clinics

New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 2 means many Otago University health clinics w...

15 May 2020

Otago welcomes students back, seeking “collective responsibility”

The University of Otago is delighted to welcome back students to all its campuse...

13 May 2020

Christchurch researchers asking parents what information they need about COVID-19 and children’s health.

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers and paediatricians are launching a...

11 May 2020

COVID-19 catalyst for significant change in general practice: Otago experts

COVID-19 may well be the catalyst for significant change in how general practice...

06 May 2020

New Zealanders in international study of COVID-19’s impact on depression and other mood disorders

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers are part of an urgent internationa...

28 Apr 2020

COVID-19 vaccine likely 12 to 18 months away Otago expert claims

28 Apr 2020

Sending children back to school: as safe as it’s ever been, doctors say

With a lack of CoVID-19 circulating in our community, fewer other viruses and ba...

24 Apr 2020

University of Otago announces Pūtea Tautoko support fund for students

The University of Otago is committing $1.5 million as an initial investment to s...

03 Apr 2020

Less sleep in children who use devices before bed and who choose their own bedtimes

Intermediate school-aged children who use a device just before bedtime and decid...

23 Mar 2020

University of Otago responds to COVID-19 Alert Level rise

The University of Otago has updated its response, and is accelerating its move t...

24 Feb 2020

Methamphetamine use and its impact on violence laid bare in world-first study

Almost a third of middle-aged New Zealanders have tried methamphetamine at least...

24 Feb 2020

New Zealanders need to work together in preparation for likely coronavirus pandemic, Otago expert says.

The likelihood of New Zealand remaining coronavirus-free is low and the country...

18 Feb 2020

It’s International Women’s Day soon and we’re celebrating!

International Womens day, CReaTE, Bioengineering

12 Feb 2020

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers lead study to help those most affected by mosque attacks

A new Health Research Council-funded study is about to get underway to help unde...

17 Jan 2020

HPV vaccine reduces rates of cervical abnormalities, likely to result in less cervical cancer

HPV vaccine reduces rates of cervical abnormalities, likely to result in less ce...

10 Dec 2019

30 new Professors for the University of Otago

06 Dec 2019

6 December 2019, Nineteen new Associate Professors for Health Sciences

Nineteen new Associate Professors for Health Sciences

05 Nov 2019

Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award

31 Oct 2019

$3.8 million to Otago researchers in Career Development Awards

29 Oct 2019

First New Zealand study of cannabis use in people with spinal cord injuries

08 Oct 2019

New Otago Medical School Dean brings international expertise

04 Oct 2019

4 October 2019, Translational Research Grant applications sought

All academic staff in the Division of Health Sciences are eligible to apply for...

20 Aug 2019

Micronutrients affect gut bacteria associated with ADHD in small but promising study

Micronutrients affect gut bacteria associated with ADHD in small but promising s...

13 Aug 2019

Graduate nursing students begin study

The first intake of the University of Otago, Christchurch's new graduate-entry M...

16 Jul 2019

New Zealanders involved in global study showing genetic predisposition for anorexia

New Zealanders involved in global study showing genetic predisposition for anore...