06 Jul 2022
World-first studies point way to preventing rheumatic fever in Aotearoa and internationally
University of Otago-led research has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk fa...
30 Jun 2022
More income support needed for young people experiencing homelessness, study finds
Life improved for young people experiencing homelessness once they were housed through the Government’s Housing First pr...
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, alongside their whānau and communities, i...
30 Jun 2022
Otago researchers receive significant HRC funding
Twenty-two Otago researchers have received a share of nearly $34 million in Health Research Council of New Zealand fundi...
21 Jun 2022
Cycleways and walking paths boost rates of active travel
Investing in cycleways and walking paths has boosted the use of active travel in two North Island cities, particularly b...
16 Jun 2022
Otago research unravels insights into military veterans’ health
New Zealand military veterans experience the same level of anxiety and depression as the general population, but have mo...
15 Jun 2022
Think outside the box on housing for sustainable future, researchers urge
New Zealand urgently needs to increase the diversity and quality of its housing stock if it is to meet its goal of reduc...
02 Jun 2022
Researcher’s road trip to talk about spiritual care
Researcher’s road trip to talk about spiritual care
12 May 2022
Decline in the number of people diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand
The number of people being diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand continues to decline, figures released today by the Univers...
12 May 2022
$900,000 funding for Otago health researchers
$900,000 funding for Otago health researchers
03 May 2022
Critic and Conscience of Society Award winner highlights vaping threat to health of young New Zealanders
Regulatory loopholes are contributing to increases in the number of young New Zealanders exposed to nicotine through vap...
03 May 2022
Janet Hoek wins Critic and Conscience award
Janet Hoek wins Critic and Conscience award
07 Apr 2022
Students shivering inside cold, damp homes, study finds
Tertiary students are more than twice as likely as the general population to be living in damp and mouldy homes, a study...
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 comfort of your couch is hugely popular –...
30 Mar 2022
The price of keeping kids warm at night
The cost of heating a child’s bedroom through the night in a Wellington winter would run through 46 per cent of the gove...
18 Mar 2022
BBC shines spotlight on housing research
The work of housing and health researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington is being showcased in a BBC mini-docum...
09 Mar 2022
Alcohol Dependence Significantly Increases Suicide Risk – Otago Study
There are calls for changes to New Zealand’s national suicide prevention strategy in light of new research linking harmf...
04 Mar 2022
Nitrate levels in drinking water and bowel cancer
The formation of cancer-causing chemicals in the gut could be at the heart of understanding how high levels of nitrate i...
25 Feb 2022
Vaccination programme failing those with mental health and addiction issues
New Zealand’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is failing to reach those with mental health and addiction issues, despite their...
03 Feb 2022
3 February 2022 Long-term cannabis use damages lungs, but in a different way from tobacco
Smoking cannabis leads to lung damage, but in a different way from tobacco, new University of Otago research has found.
01 Feb 2022
Urgent investment needed in deadly disease
Researchers are calling for urgent investment in the prevention of a devastating emerging disease that kills tens of tho...
27 Jan 2022
Reimagining school uniforms
School uniforms need a radical redesign to better meet the needs of students, particularly for girls, who are often forc...
21 Jan 2022
Addressing inequities in cancer care
Three Otago researchers have secured significant grants for research aimed at addressing the stark inequities in cancer...
13 Jan 2022
Call to report bottled water quality results on labels
Bottled water is often perceived as clean and free of contaminants compared to tap water, but University of Otago resear...
21 Dec 2021
Discrimination placing LGBTIQ+ people at risk of homelessness
Discrimination in the housing market, as well as structural issues such as poverty, racism and instability, are placing...
20 Dec 2021
‘Breakthrough’ Otago research confirms skin infections as a cause of rheumatic fever
University of Otago researchers have made a major breakthrough in further understanding acute rheumatic fever, showing t...
10 Dec 2021
A marathon year for Wellington PhD Public Health grad
While most people might feel like they deserved a break after completing their PhD, Caroline Fyfe, who graduates in abse...
09 Dec 2021
New Smokefree Action Plan will transform tobacco policy, Otago researchers say
Researchers from the University of Otago’s ASPIRE 2025 Research Centre, which carries out research to support the Smokef...
22 Nov 2021
Otago announces Professorial promotions for 2022
Twenty-eight University of Otago academics are being promoted to the position of professor this year.
18 Nov 2021
Housing researchers win the Rutherford Medal, NZ’s top research honour
Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman CNZM QSO FRSNZ and researchers at the He Kāinga Oranga - Housing and Hea...
08 Nov 2021
Nitrate in drinking water could cause up to 100 cases of bowel cancer in NZ
Nitrate contamination of drinking water could cause up to 100 cases of bowel cancer in New Zealand every year, leading t...
04 Nov 2021
Excellence in teaching, research and service
Excellence in teaching, research and service have been celebrated with the announcement of the 2021 Otago Medical School...
22 Oct 2021
Clearing the air: make more outdoor pedestrian spaces smokefree, researchers urge
Creating large smokefree outdoor pedestrian spaces would aid the health sector’s efforts to help people quit smoking, re...
18 Oct 2021
Vaping with nicotine more common than smoking among NZ teens
More than a third of New Zealand high school students have tried vaping, with 10 per cent vaping regularly and six per c...
06 Oct 2021
Professor Sue Crengle appointed to new Māori Health Authority
Otago Medical School Professor Sue Crengle will play a central role in what she describes as “the biggest opportunity fo...
30 Sep 2021
Urgent need to tackle smoking rates in Pacific adults and youth
New Zealand needs to take urgent action to reduce smoking in Pacific adults and youth if the country is to achieve its g...
22 Sep 2021
Accuracy of DHB figures questioned by University of Otago study
The accuracy of District Health Board (DHB) data on the use of consultants and contractors has been questioned by an Ota...
17 Sep 2021
A road map to ending diesel vehicle pollution
Researchers have developed a road map to accelerate the removal of light diesel vehicles, including cars, utes and vans,...
20 Aug 2021
PhD research comes with a personal toll
For Brodie Fraser the hardest part of completing their PhD was how personal their topic was to their lived experience.
13 Aug 2021
Dual treatment increases risk of heart attack – study
People using two different inhalers for common chronic lung diseases are more than 50 per cent more likely to have a hea...
10 Aug 2021
Global eradication of COVID-19 should not be dismissed – new analysis
Eradicating COVID-19 across the globe is theoretically more feasible than for polio but much less so than it was for sma...
05 Aug 2021
Low adherence to diabetes medication concerning – Otago study
Groups who suffer the highest burden of type 2 diabetes have the lowest level of adherence to effective medication to co...
02 Aug 2021
Otago backing new Communicable Diseases Research Centre in Fiji
The University of Otago’s Global Health Institute and Dunedin’s Mercy Hospital are supporting the establishment of a new...
30 Jul 2021
Study recommends better sun protection for young rowers during competition
High school rowing uniforms should include sun protective headwear and sunglasses to better shield rowers from the harmf...
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 health of Māori affected by psychosis,...
23 Jul 2021
Vaccine against pneumococcal disease reduces severe cases in children by 80 per cent in The Gambia
Study examines the real-life long-term impact of routine introduction of vaccine.
23 Jul 2021
Health Delivery Research Activation Grants for eight Otago projects
Eight University of Otago researchers are sharing more than $230,000 from the first round of the Health Research Council...
08 Jun 2021
Progress in the Pacific on sugary drink taxes - research
Pacific nations are leading the way regionally with taxes on sugary drinks in a bid to battle obesity and related diseas...
08 Jun 2021
What helps and hinders metformin adherence and persistence
University of Otago research into what helps and hinders people with type 2 diabetes correctly taking, and continuing to...
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 consequences.
02 Jun 2021
Pride at seeing alumni in Ministry COVID-19 team
Professor Patricia Priest admits to a “little twinge of pride” at seeing her former students and colleagues working in t...
26 May 2021
Lack of timely access to care potentially costing lives – research
More than 250 people died between 2009 and 2012 from potentially survivable trauma injuries before they reached a hospit...
25 May 2021
Misunderstanding may be obstacle to hitting Smokefree 2025 target
A lack of understanding about the aims of New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal – 10 years after it was announced – could be...
20 May 2021
$1.96 million grant a welcome boost to Māori-led lung cancer screening programme
The University of Otago, Waitematā DHB, and Auckland DHB have today welcomed a $1.96 million grant from the Global Allia...
19 May 2021
Study tracks antidepressant use during pregnancy
Almost half of New Zealand women who take antidepressants in the months before getting pregnant, stop during their pregn...
13 May 2021
New Zealand housing lacking basic amenities, new report finds
Five per cent of New Zealand houses lack at least one of six basic amenities including drinkable tap water, electricity,...
20 Apr 2021
Launch of new public health research programme led by Professor Michael Baker
Launch of new public health research programme led by Professor Michael Baker
15 Apr 2021
Researchers welcome Smokefree 2025 Action Plan
Researchers welcome Smokefree 2025 Action Plan
14 Apr 2021
Professor Michael Baker wins Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
Professor Michael Baker MNZM, from the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington has won the 20...
26 Mar 2021
Dunedin COVID-19 QR code scanning rates “worrying”
An Otago academic says it’s time to ask tough questions after an audit revealed “concerningly low” numbers of people sca...
22 Mar 2021
University’s ‘household name’ is Wellingtonian of the Year
Public Health Professor Michael Baker has been selected as Wellingtonian of the Year for 2020 at The Dominion Post newsp...
18 Mar 2021
Teenage depression rates more than double in four decades – study
The prevalence of teenage depression in New Zealand has more than doubled since the 1980s, a new University of Otago-led...
12 Mar 2021
Pump up the volume on quality school PE, researchers urge
Pump up the volume on quality school PE, researchers urge
10 Mar 2021
We must have a better plan for the next pandemic, say Otago researchers
We must have a better plan for the next pandemic, say Otago researchers
24 Feb 2021
Private health patients costing public system $11.5m a year
Taxpayers are footing an annual bill of up to $11.5 million – the cost of 760 hip replacements - for patients who need p...
18 Feb 2021
Women supporting women in making change to energy poverty
When Dr Kim O’Sullivan returned to her high school to speak with students as part of her post-doctoral research; it was...
17 Feb 2021
NZ part of global project with world-leading scientists to map future COVID-19 scenarios
NZ part of global project with world-leading scientists to map future COVID-19 scenarios
11 Feb 2021
Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day
Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day
09 Feb 2021
The Science of Medicines – a programme for tamariki
NTMHRU, medicine, science, tamariki
04 Feb 2021
COVID-19 lockdown has mixed effects on smokers
New Zealand’s COVID-19 lockdown had mixed effects on smoking behaviours, a University of Otago study reveals.
04 Feb 2021
Summer students research burning questions on COVID-19
Four Otago students are working on COVID-19 research projects at the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora as part of the sum...
04 Feb 2021
Sue Crengle promoted to Professor
NTMHRU, Maori Health, Maori health research, Sue Crengle
27 Jan 2021
Targeted health messaging needed in era of vaping, researchers say
Health authorities should develop targeted health messages for vaping product and e-liquid packaging to encourage smoker...
27 Jan 2021
Ones to Watch: Rebekah Amitrano
“I’ve known for a long time that I want to do something that helps people and I decided law was a way of helping many pe...
26 Jan 2021
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
COVID-19 focus for 25th annual Public Health Summer School
13 Jan 2021
Care urged before banning people entering NZ from the UK
Care urged before banning people entering NZ from the UK
23 Dec 2020
Elimination strategy optimal pandemic response – new research
A goal of eliminating community transmission of the pandemic virus causing COVID-19 is achievable and sustainable as a r...
14 Dec 2020
Marsden Grants for Wellington research
Marsden Grants for Wellington research
14 Dec 2020
Strengths and vulnerabilities of teen skateboarders revealed in Otago study
Strengths and vulnerabilities of teen skateboarders revealed in Otago study
07 Dec 2020
Otago study debunks arguments behind continuing availability of tobacco at convenience stores
Otago study debunks arguments behind continuing availability of tobacco at convenience stores
04 Dec 2020
COVID-19 unemployment may bring increased risk of heart disease
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession and rising unemployment may increase the occurrence of heart disease in New Zeal...
26 Nov 2020
Many Kiwis not taking cholesterol medication consistently
Many Kiwis not taking cholesterol medication consistently
24 Nov 2020
Dairy and low-fat diet can reduce risk of bowel cancer - study
Eating dairy and a low-fat diet can reduce the risk of bowel cancer in New Zealand, a new University of Otago study reve...
17 Nov 2020
Bars facilitating smoking in young adults, study shows
Designated outdoor smoking areas in bars are facilitating experimentation and tobacco use among young adults, a new stud...
10 Nov 2020
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding
22 Oct 2020
Eliminating COVID-19: what the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan
Both Taiwan and New Zealand have successfully eliminated COVID-19 with world-leading pandemic responses. By taking a par...
12 Oct 2020
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher
School zoning could increase adolescent exercise rates, Otago researcher finds
09 Oct 2020
Public health experts urge a ‘yes’ vote in cannabis referendum
Public health experts urge a ‘yes’ vote in cannabis referendum
29 Sep 2020
Lung cancer screening a step closer to reality following combined study
Lung cancer screening a step closer to reality following combined study
18 Sep 2020
Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, survey shows
People who smoke are increasingly using e-cigarettes to try to quit smoking, a study by researchers at the University of...
11 Sep 2020
Otago research rewarded with NZ$27.4 million in Endeavour Fund grants
Two University of Otago proposals have been awarded over NZ$27 million in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Emplo...
28 Aug 2020
Alcohol-related assaults in NZ decline after restrictions on late-night alcohol sales
Alcohol-related assaults in NZ decline after restrictions on late-night alcohol sales
27 Aug 2020
6 months after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case, it’s time for a more strategic approach.
6 months after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 case, it’s time for a more strategic approach.
24 Aug 2020
Professor John Broughton retires
Last week, we held a farewell morning tea for Professor John Broughton (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga), who h...
19 Aug 2020
Digital contact tracing alone may not be miracle answer for COVID-19
In infectious disease outbreaks, digital contact tracing alone could reduce the number of cases, but not as much as manu...
13 Aug 2020
Future research in safe hands at Otago Medical School
Future research in safe hands at Otago Medical School
07 Aug 2020
Otago University’s contact tracing system shows promising results in test scenario
Otago University’s contact tracing system shows promising results in test scenario
03 Aug 2020
Otago experts deemed ‘critic and conscience’ of society
For the first time, the Gama Foundation has recognised two people at once for their efforts in being the ‘Critic and Con...
03 Aug 2020
Updates from the NTMHRU, post COVID-19
covid-19, ngāi tahu māori health research unit are back in the office, student support post-covid, māori response to cov...