Tēnā koutou,
Thank you for your interest in the Division of Health Sciences at University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. Whether you are considering studying with us, collaborating in research, partnering with us commercially, supporting our work philanthropically, or joining our community as a staff member, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you.
As New Zealand's leading University for health sciences education and research, our Division plays a vital role in improving health outcomes, advancing knowledge, and developing the highly skilled workforce needed for the future of healthcare. With campuses in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Pōneke Wellington, and a presence extending throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, we are committed to creating positive impact locally, nationally, and globally.
Our strength lies in the close integration of education, research, and clinical practice. We offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes that prepare graduates for rewarding careers across the health sector. Through exceptional teaching, hands-on clinical and laboratory experience, and a strong culture of enquiry, our students develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to address the complex health challenges of our time.
The Division is home to internationally recognised researchers and educators whose work contributes to healthier communities, more effective health systems, and new discoveries that improve lives. Our research spans fundamental science, clinical practice, public health, and health policy, creating knowledge that informs decision-making and delivers tangible benefits for society. We are proud of the impact our staff and students have through their scholarship, innovation, and service.
Partnership is central to our success. We work closely with health providers, government agencies, iwi, community organisations, industry, and international collaborators to address real-world challenges and translate research into meaningful outcomes. Central to these partnerships is our dedication to becoming a fully Te Tiriti-led organisation, honouring the Treaty of Waitangi as the nation’s founding document, and the local iwi, Kāi Tahu, as the mana whenua (authority) of the Otago region. For commercial partners, our Division offers opportunities to collaborate on research, access expertise, develop innovations, and support the successful translation of discoveries into products, services, and solutions that benefit communities and economies alike.
We are also deeply grateful to those who choose to support our mission through philanthropy. Gifts of all sizes help us invest in talented students, advance transformative research, strengthen facilities and programmes, and create opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. Such generosity has a lasting impact on future generations of health professionals, researchers, and the communities they serve.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to excellence, equity, innovation, and service. We are proud of our heritage and equally excited about the future as we continue to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous world.
We look forward to exploring how we can work together and support your journey with the Division of Health Sciences.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
Ngā mihi mahana,
Megan Gibbons
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Division of Health Sciences
University of Otago
Nau mai, haere mai ki Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.