PVC's welcome
Professor Peter Crampton.
Kia ora koutou kātoa
Welcome to this edition of Pulse.
It is with sadness I acknowledge the deaths of two of our staff members, Associate Professor Gordon Sanderson and Dr Steven Condliffe. Both made significant contributions to their respective areas and will be dearly missed by their friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with family and friends.
These winter months highlight many achievements and I thank all of you for your contributions to these. Thanks also to those who attended various graduation events including the graduation ceremony. Your attendance and celebration of their success is greatly appreciated by our graduates and their whānau.
Congratulations to Professor Peter Dearden for leading the successful proposal for the $35M Genomics Aotearoa project, which Peter will now head up. Thank you also to the staff in Research and Enterprise, especially Jayashree Panjabi, who provided amazing support to Peter. This new science platform will provide researchers an ability to develop and expand science that has positive impacts on the health of our communities and on the state of our environment.
Our annual Otago Spotlight series is fast approaching and I warmly invite you to attend this year's event which is focussing on Child Health Research. Many thanks to Dr Michele Coleman and her team for organising this event, and to our researchers who are presenting during the day.
The second half of Semester Two, I am sure, will be fruitful and rewarding and I look forward to the successes it brings.
Professor Peter Crampton
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Division of Health Sciences, pvc.healthsciences@otago.ac.nz
General news
Farewells
Dr Steven Condliffe (28 March 1973-30 June 2017)
Dr Steven Condliffe
Steven first joined the Department in 1996 as a Research Assistant, having completed a BSc (Hons) at The University of Canterbury. He then went on to PhD studies with Prof. Brian Harvey in Cork Ireland, followed by a first post-doctoral position with Prof. Ray Frizzell University of Pittsburgh USA. His second post-doctoral position was with Prof. Michela Matteoli at the University of Milan. Steven returned to Physiology as a Lecturer in 2009, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2014.
In his research he applied a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology and cellular & molecular biology techniques to address important physiological processes at the cell membrane. In his PhD research Steven made fundamental discoveries regarding the regulation of ion channels by estrogen.
His subsequent research focused on the regulation of ion channel function via protein-protein interactions, in particular the mechanisms behind the delivery and insertion of epithelial channels including ANO1 and the epithelial sodium channel into the apical membrane, and the functional interaction of LRRK2 with calcium channel beta subunits, which was the subject of a recent major publication by Steven and his Italian collaborators (Bedford, et. Al., (2016). Front. Mol. Neurosci. 9:35 doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00035).
Steven was a much-liked member of the Department who approached everything he did with the utmost seriousness, integrity and skill. He was a highly effective leader of teaching, playing a key and highly effective role in management as convener of the core First Year Health Sciences paper HUBS 192, and of the Physiology major subject requirement paper PHSL 343 and as a Departmental Course advisor for undergraduate students. He was recognized as an outstanding teacher at undergraduate level, where he made vital contributions at all levels, as a most caring helpful and knowledgeable advisor of undergraduates and supervisor of post-graduate student projects.
Steven will be greatly missed and we mourn his passing. Our thoughts at this time are particularly with his family.
Assoc. Professor Gordon Sanderson
Assoc. Professor Gordon Sanderson
The flag was flying at half-mast on Wednesday, 5 July 2017 out of respect for Assoc. Professor Gordon Sanderson who died on Tuesday, 4 July 2017. This is a shock to us all and our thoughts and support go to his family and friends. He is a huge loss to our school that he has been part of for a long time.
Pacific Island Health Professional Students Association (PIHPSA)
From left to right: Yong Lin, Thumb Yang, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Lelei Ta'ala, Tevita Vaipuna, Toni Anitelea, Talai Mapusua (PIRSSU Prog Coordinator), Nicole Walters, Atamira Roa
PIHPSA is an independent student body that supports Pacific students, and encourages networking between students, staff and working health professionals.
Activities that PIHPSA has been involved in this year are:
Led fundraising for Kids Can by hosting a successful cake / bake stall in the Hunter Centre in July. Amount raised over $2,000.
Health promotion visits to Punavai o le Atamai Pre-School – final visit sharing healthy habits around brushing teeth and washing hands. Each child was given a tooth brush pack to take home. This is a great opportunity for our future pacific health professionals to interact with children and the local Pacific community. Themes covered early in month: exercise and movement and healthy eating.
Pacific Health Scholarship 2017 Success
Scholarship recipients from the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, and University of Christchurch with Ministry of Health Staff
Pacific Health Scholarships contribute to improving access to health services for Pacific Peoples by assisting the development of the Pacific health and disability workforce. These scholarships are funded by the Ministry of Health and cover 80% of course fees. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, leaderships qualities and commitment to Pacific communities.
This year 42 Health Sciences students were successful in receiving a scholarship:
- Medicine (27)
- Dentistry (5)
- Bachelor of Oral Health (3)
- Physiotherapy (4)
- Pharmacy (1)
- Postgrad Public Health (1)
- Postgrad Primary Health (1).
The scholarships were awarded at a ceremony at the Public Art Gallery in June.
Genomics Aotearoa
Congratulations to Professor Peter Dearden for leading the writing of a successful proposal for the establishment of Genomics Aotearoa, a $35million project. The establishment of this new science platform will support advanced genomics research and is a major research platform for the country. It will provide infrastructure for research aimed at the betterment of the health of our communities, and our environment. This is an exciting development allowing us to capture the benefits of genomics with regards to health and the environment. The project will be led by Professor Dearden and is a collaboration of three universities, four CRIs, and 32 other organisations who are stakeholders in the area of genomics and bioinformatics.
Read the full article on our website.
Read the article on the Otago Daily Time website.
Dunedin School of Medicine
Dr Garry Nixon recipient of prestigious RNZCGP award
Rural health specialist Dr Garry Nixon, Director of the Rural Postgraduate Programme, was recently awarded the coveted Eric Elder Memorial Medal.
A standing ovation and thunderous applause greeted the announcement at the recent RNZCGP conference where Dr Nixon was clearly moved to receive the award from college president Tim Malloy, who praised him for his insights into rural generalism and his commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities.
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine welcomes William Evans Fellow
The Department of Preventive and Social Medicine is pleased to host Marshall H. Chin, MD, MPH.
As the Richard Parrillo Family Professor of Healthcare Ethics at the University of Chicago, Dr Chin is an expert in health equity, general internist and health services researcher with deep experience in improving the care of vulnerable patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases through the health care system and community interventions. Dr. Chin is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship training in general internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Dunedin School of Medicine launches new social media campaign
Dunedin School of Medicine now has two social channels, Facebook and Twitter. The channels are in place to connect with students and staff, share our latest research and developments, and to contribute to our wider community.
Twitter: @DSMOtago
Facebook:www.facebook.com/DSMOtago
Department of Medicine launches new postgraduate qualification in Obesity Prevention and Management
The Department of Medicine has launched its new postgraduate programme aimed at those working in the areas of primary health care, nutrition, exercise, health promotion, health policy, or central government.
These qualifications will contribute to an interprofessional, collective approach to obesity prevention and management.
Read more about the new qualifications.
PechaKucha event featuring HODs a big hit with staff and students
Associate Professor Mark Thompson Fawcett (HoD Surgical Sciences) and Professor Tim Stokes (General Practice and Rural Health) prepare to deliver their talks.
Five heads of Departments in the Dunedin School of Medicine presented a synopsis of their Department's research "Pecha Kucha" style, in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (6 minutes and 40 seconds in total).
Coming straight from surgery, Associate Professor Mark Thompson-Fawcett, Head of Surgical Sciences, delivered his talk in his scrubs which added to the fast-paced and fun atmosphere.
As head of the largest Department in the University Associate Professor Patricia Priest from Preventive and Social Medicine had the most difficult task in presenting her department's multi-faceted research, but like all the HODs who so generously gave their time to this event, her talk was both concise and entertaining.
The event was so successful that more multi-speaker events will be held in the future.
Women's and Children's Health deliver Distraction Bears
Amanda Phillips and Sarah-Jane Robertson (left and centre) deliver the Distraction Bears to Nic Holborow (right), Associate Charge Nurse Manager.
Staff from the Department of Women's and Children's Health have been busy knitting for a good cause. Using materials donated from staff, the knitters, including a postgraduate student's mother, created 54 beautiful bears that were delivered to Dunedin Hospital's Emergency Department, where the "Distraction Bears" will be given to children admitted to hospital on arrival.
A colloquium in honour of Emeritus Professor John Highton
A colloquium and a dinner took place on Friday, 28 July 2017 to celebrate Emeritus Professor Highton's career achievements on the occasion of his retirement. He offered an exceptional contribution to rheumatology in New Zealand, and to the University of Otago.The colloquium was the occasion to feature appreciations from those who have worked with Emeritus Professor Highton over the years.
This event was kindly supported by a generous donation from the New Zealand Rheumatology Association.
Faculty of Dentistry
And the name of the 50-metre tall tower crane is...
The Faculty of Dentistry held a competition to name the 50-metre tall tower crane that is building its new Clinical Services Building The competition attracted 119 entries from Faculty of Dentistry staff and students. The top five names were voted on by staff and students, and the winner was Compliance Manager, Jenine Upritchard from the Faculty's Sir John Walsh Research Institute with her entry "Reachie McClaw".
3-minute Thesis competition
The Faculty of Dentistry Sir John Walsh Research Institute held its own 3-minute Thesis competition on 28 June 2017. The winner of the competition, Sabarinath Prasad, who recently began his PhD studies with Professor Mauro Farella, went on to win the Health Sciences Division 3-minute Thesis competition. Another competitor, Masters student and Faculty of Dentistry staff member Deanna Beckett also won the divisional competition making it a clean sweep. Deanna then won the Masters section of the University of Otago 3-minute Thesis competition. Deanna's master's thesis: "Incorporating economic evaluation into oral health related quality of life measure for children" aims to provide evidence to the government that oral health is important and affects a person's quality of life, and that there should be funding for treatment.
Dentistry outreach project tackling the effects of sugar
A Faculty of Dentistry-lead team are working with Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti staff, pupils and their whānau to investigate the hidden sugar content in their diet and how pupils can improve their oral health.
Pupils are carrying out monthly experiments on the science behind the effects of sugar on teeth and on our general health. In parallel, a tooth brushing and oral hygiene intervention has also been implemented at the school.
The team expects this initiative will result in increase in science engagement, better oral health and improved nutritional choices for the pupils, whānau and the broader community.
Dentistry staff elected as an executive member of the NZ Association of Women in Sciences
In July this year during the AWIS conference (http://www.awis.org.nz/), Dr Carolina Loch, Lecturer in Oral Biology at the Faculty of Dentistry has been elected as Dunedin convenor for AWIS.
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Anatomy
Otago Medical School Research Society PhD student speaker awards
Congratulations to Stella Cameron and Matthew Sykes who were placed first and second respecitvely at the recent Otago Medical School Research Society (OMSRS) PhD student speaker awards.
Stella is supervised by Dr Louise Parr-Brownlie. Her talk was entitled "Pathophysioloigcal and anatomical changes of the deep cerebellar nuclei in a chronic rat model of Parkinson's disease."
Matthew is supervised by Professor John Reynolds. His talk was entitled "Low-intensity magnetic stimulation and excitability in the rodent neocortex as measured by local field potentials."
Congratulations to Nadia Adotevi
PhD student Nadia Adotevi has been selected to give a platform presentation at the prestigious 32nd International Epilepsy Congress in Barcelona in September. She has also been selected for a mentorship programme which will be run during the meeting. Nadia was awarded a travel bursary from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to attend the meeting. She has recently submitted her PhD for examination, and is supervised by Assoc Prof Beulah Leitch.
Sustained Excellence Award for Dr Brad Hurren
Congratulations to Dr Brad Hurren whose enthusiasm and passion for teaching was recognised recently at the national Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards function in Wellington. Along with Assoc Prof Ruth Fitzgerald (Anthropology and Archaeology) and Haruko Stuart (Languages and Cultures) also from the University of Otago, Brad received a Sustained Excellence Award at the event held at Parliament. Well done Brad!
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Dr Simon Jackson awarded the Illumina Emerging Researcher Award
This year's Illumina™ Emerging Researcher Award has been received by Dr Simon Jackson, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Fineran Lab. The award is designed by illumina™ and the Queenstown Research Week to recognise and acknowledge an emerging researcher (less than 5 years post-PhD) who uses molecular biology tools in New Zealand.
Simon will give a talk and receive the award at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meeting in September.
Cook Lab research pioneers a new approach to TB treatment
A research team that includes Professor Greg Cook and Kiel Hards has made a discovery that could transform the way TB (tuberculosis) is treated. The team has recently published its findings in the leading international journal PNAS.
Their approach involves identifying new ways that the pathogen responsible for TB infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, could be targeted by drugs.
PhD student Kirsten Ward-Hartstonge wins Best Student Presentation award at NZASI conference
Congratulations to Kirsten Ward-Hartstonge, PhD student in the Kemp Lab, who took away the 'Buck Award' for Best Student Presentation at last week's NZASI (The New Zealand Branch of the Australasian Society for Immunology) conference in Christchurch.
The Buck Award is named for the late Associate Professor Glenn "Buck" Buchan, a leading immunologist of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Kirsten's talk was entitled Blimp-1 + IL-10-producing regulatory T cells are associated with longer diseasefree survival in colorectal cancer.
Otago Bacterial Energetics and Antimicrobial Resistance Group wins 2017 Research Group Award
The Otago Bacterial Energetics and Antimicrobial Resistance (OBEAR) Group, based in Professor Greg Cook's lab, has been awarded the 2017 University of Otago Research Group Award.
This recognises an outstanding record of research, and consists of a grant to assist the group in hosting a one-day symposium to showcase their research, where the award will be formally presented.
Congratulations to the group members: Professor Greg Cook, Dr Htin Aung, Dr Yoshio Nakatani, Dr Yosuke Shimaki, Kiel Hards, Scott Ferguson, Alan Hughes, Nicola Marechal, James Cheung and Nichaela Harbison-Price.
Two researchers receive HRC funding grants
Congratulations to our staff members who have been awarded research funding by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC). Associate Professor Keith Ireton (with Dr Mihnea Bostina) has been provided a grant to investigate the role of host exocytosis in Listeria. Associate Professor Alex McLellan has received an explorer grant to look at T cell migration and activation.
Associate Professor Keith Ireton
Role of host exocytosis in infection of human cells by Listeria monocytogenes
$932,485
36 months
Associate Professor Alexander McLellan
A proton switch for T cell migration and activation
$150,000
24 months
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Activities
Dr John Ashton was interviewed on TV1's Seven Sharp on Wednesday 12 July 2017 to speak to the article about the plight of a patient with lung cancer who couldn't get funding for the drug crizotinib.
Caitlin Robertson, a Pharmacology alumni was featured in The Star on 13 July 2017 for receiving the Young Operator of the Year Award at the New Zealand Water Industry Operators Group conference that was held in Queenstown in May 2017. We all congratulate Caitlin on her success and recognition.
Funding Successes
Professor Rhonda J Rosengren has received funding from Health Sciences Division and the School of Biomedical Sciences to further Toxicology initiatives within the University.
Dr Yiwen Zheng has received funding from Action on Hearing Loss for her project A pilot study to identify metabolic changes in tinnitus patients using metabolomics.
Professor Rhonda J Rosengren has received funding from the Internationalisation of the Curriculum Initiative Grant fund to commence collaborations with Colorado State University for a new toxicology initiative A blended teaching approach in environmental toxicology.
Department of Physiology
Professor Colin Brown awarded two prestigious medals
Professor Colin Brown
Colin has been chosen to receive the Physiological Society of NZ Triennial Medal. The Triennial Medal is the most prestigious honour conferred by the PSNZ and is only awarded once every three years in recognition of outstanding research and contribution to physiology nationally. The Medal will be presented to Colin at Queenstown Research Week in September.
Colin has also been awarded the 2017 Mortyn Jones Memorial Medal by the British Society for Neuroendocrinology and gave the lecture at the World Congress on Neurohypophysial Hormones in Brazil recently. He was also interviewed for the Otago Daily Times regarding research published recently in the Journal of Physiology.
We would also like to congratulate:
- Assoc Prof Ruth Empson who has been awarded a Neurological Foundation of NZ Project Grant of $193,844 over 2 years for the project "Chloride Co-Transport - a Driving Force for Treating Human Cerebellar Ataxias".
- Dr Andrew Bahn who has been awarded an Arthritis NZ grant for the project "Identification of oxypurinol transporters to decipher drug-drug interactions in gout treatment".
- Dr Carol Bussey who won the OMSRS Research Staff Speaker Awards.
- Dr Xinhuai Liu who has been awarded an Otago Medical Research Foundation Annual Grant.
- Daniel and Lorna's PhD theses have been placed on the Health Sciences Divisional List of Exceptional Doctoral Theses.
School of Pharmacy
Continuing Education Workshop
The School of Pharmacy warmly invites pharmacists to the Gallery Restaurant, University Staff Club on Saturday 2 September, 10 am – 12 pm, for a Continuing Education Workshop on Treatment Resistant Depression presented by Professional Practice Fellow (Clinical Pharmacy), Emma Smith. Professor Carlo Marra will begin the workshop with an update on where the School is heading. Please RSVP to pharmacy.events@otago.ac.nz
Green Cross Health Pharmacy Awards Ceremony
Our inaugural Green Cross Health Pharmacy Awards ceremony was held at St David Lecture Theatre on Friday 11 August 2017. Over 140 people attended the ceremony to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our outstanding students, staff, and alumni as well as the preceptor pharmacists that train and mentor our undergraduate students on placements.
Congratulations to all of our award winners and to everyone who participated in making this event a success! Our next award ceremony will be held in March 2018.
New Curriculum
The School of Pharmacy have revised the Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum, set to roll out next year, with a central vision to help students become medication therapy experts who provide patient-centred care. These changes reflect the evolving pharmacy practice.
Read more in our curriculum update article.
School of Physiotherapy
Proud Physios take trophy ... again
The Physiotherapy students have won the Interfaculty sports trophy for 14 years. It's thus excellent news that they managed to win the trophy again this year with tight competition from Dentistry. Congratulations to the teams and to the sports rep, Cory Glover, for keeping the motivation and enthusiasm going!
Read more about it on the Student News webpage.
Distinguished Dr Stanley Paris awarded doctorate
It is indeed an honour for the Physiotherapy profession to have Dr Stanley Paris to be our first graduate to be awarded an honorary degree at the University of Otago and deliver the graduation address in the same ceremony on Saturday 19th August.
Read more about this story on the School of Physiotherapy website.
You can also learn more about this event on the Otago Daily Time website.
The Research Impact Conference "Realising the Potential"
This conference is co-costed by CHARR, School of Physiotherapy, 'Ageing Well' NSC, and CARE Research Theme.
Time: 21-22 November 2017
Venue: Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Visit the research impact website.
University of Otago, Christchurch
Revamp for the The University of Otago, Christchurch, website
"We Love Christchurch" page
The University of Otago, Christchurch, website is getting a revamp. So far they have a beautiful new banner image and a dedicated "We Love Christchurch" page. The "We Love Christchurch" page is filled with images staff and students have supplied of things they love in and around the city.
A cookbook to raise money for the Cancer Society
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group members (from left) Abel Ang, Vanessa Lattimore and Linda Buss with the cookbooks.
Cancer researchers from the University of Otago, Christchurch, have created a cookbook to raise money for the Cancer Society. The cookbook features favourite recipes of Mackenzie Cancer Research Group members. The close-knit research group regularly raises money for the cancer charity, including competing in its Relay for Life event dressed as the Mackenzie Marvels superheroes.
University of Otago, Wellington
Successful launch of the the Achieving Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 plan
The Achieving Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 plan was successfully launched on the 2nd August 2017, in Parliament Buildings.
Smokefree 2025 will be Smokefree 2065 unless urgent government action is taken. Researchers and experts in tobacco control, are led by the University of Otago, Wellington and Hāpai te Hauora to gain very extensive media and political coverage.
Read the full report and details.
Rental Warrant of Fitness for Wellington
A voluntary Rental WOF scheme was launched in association with the Wellington City Council. It is the first of its kind in the country, in a bid to raise the standard of rental properties.
"Future of Health" political debate
"Future of Health": a political debate.
The New Zealand Medical Students Association was hosting a political debate called the "Future of Health" on Wednesday, 16 August 2017.
Health is one of the most important government services. It is one we rely heavily on, and one that is constantly evolving to suit the population. At the Future of Health political panel, we ask New Zealand's Members of Parliament what the future of New Zealand's health system is, and where they'd like to lead it post election.
Featuring:
- David Clark (Health, Labour)
- Julie Anne Genter (Health, Green)
- Ria Bond (NZ First)
- National - TBC
New Centre for Translational Physiology launched in Wellington
Blessing of the New Centre for Translational Physiology.
A unique centre that will forge new links between health researchers and clinicians, working on solutions for complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity and stroke, is being launched at the University of Otago, Wellington (UOW), on Tuesday, 1 August 2017.
The Centre for Translational Physiology (CTP) at UOW was officially opened by the University's Vice Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne. The opening was attended by the Minister for Science and Innovation Hon Paul Goldsmith.
Wellington child poverty political forum
This debate was organised on Wednesday, 26 July 2017, by CPAG and Tick 4 Kids. It was hosted by University of Otago, Wellington.
During this event, the different political parties talked about their vision for a New Zealand where all children can flourish. The forum was chaired by Tony Dowell, Professor of Primary Health Care and General Practice and Head of Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology at the University of Otago in Wellington.
Featuring:
- Darroch Ball (NZ First).
- Carmel Sepuloni (Labour Party).
- Jan Logie (Green Party).
- Hekia Parata (National Party).
- Chris McKenzie (Māori Party).
Other news
Upcoming Inaugural Professorial Lectures
-
Professor Carlo Marra
- 5.30pm Tuesday, 14 November 2017
- Barnett, Dunedin campus
-
Professor John Reynolds
- 5.30pm date, 21 November 2017
- Archway 4, Dunedin campus
Health Sciences Career Development Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Division of Health Sciences supports a programme of Career Development Postdoctoral Fellowships.
They are calling for applications for two Fellowships from this source in our November 2017 round. The Division ask you to pass this information to all your academic and research staff and finishing postgraduate students.
Applications need to be on the attached application form. Please ensure that candidates are using the Nov 2017 guidelines only and complete the correct application form.
Applications for this round should be sent to the Health Sciences Divisional Office by 5pm on Tuesday 7th November 2017. All applicants need to provide their one hard-copy application to their Deans for signing in time for this deadline to be met. Electronic copies may be submitted without signatures.
Mentors need to make their HoD aware of the associated costs of the proposal well in advance of the closing date to allow for HoD's consideration of the costs. Also, mentors should note that they may support only one application as outlined in the guidelines.
The applicant's attention must be draw to the document "Terms and Conditions of Appointment for Post-doctoral Fellows" from Human Resources.
All these documents are available for download from the Divisional website.
Otago Spotlight Series: Child Health Research
We're getting close!
Time: 9am–3.30pm Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Venue: Nordmeyer Theatre, University of Otago, Wellington
A tremendous range of agencies and organisations have confirmed their attendance along with many of our own researchers, colleagues, and postgraduate students. If you are able to join us in Wellington on the day and have not yet registered, please email: healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
As we have so many more researchers working in child health research than we can fit into our day we have launched the Child Health Research at Otago website.
The website provides an overview of research, website links, and contact info, for over forty groups. You can search by group name, or by topics:
- Genetics and health
- Healthy pregnancies
- Healthy childhoods
- Childhood conditions and treatments
- Inequalities in child health
We also provide lots of child health-relevant research news.
Our aim is to raise the visibility of our researchers to external audiences.
If this website would be of interest to you or your stakeholders, you are most welcome to link to it (http://www.otago.ac.nz/child-health-research/index.html) and we welcome any feedback you may have.
Health Sciences specialist research websites
Over the past three years we have been building a suite of websites that showcase our research excellence within a particular focus:
- Public Health Research at Otago
- Cancer Research at Otago
- Cardiovascular Disease at Otago
- Pacific Health Research at Otago
- Child Health Research at Otago
Visitors are able to view groups working within a sub-topic eg. Health inequalities, or browse an alphabetical listing of all groups. A brief research overview of each group is provided with a contact email and links to the group's own web pages.
To capture the volume of research achievement we also ensure our latest research news, He Kitenga articles, and research presentation videos are available in the sites.
If your group is not yet included in a relevant site, or you have feedback, please email: wendy.houliston@otago.ac.nz
Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice
The Commonwealth Fund invites promising mid-career professionals—government policymakers, academic researchers, clinical leaders, hospital and insurance managers, and journalists—from Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom—to apply for an opportunity to spend up to 12 months in the United States as a Harkness Fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice. Fellows work with leading U.S. experts to study health care delivery reforms and critical issues on the health policy agenda in both the U.S. and their home countries. A rich program of seminars organized by the Fund throughout the year further enhances the fellowship experience. The Harkness Fellowship awards up to US $130,000 in support, with an additional family allowance (approximately $60,000 for partner and two children up to age 18).
The deadline for applications from New Zealand is September 5, 2017.
The Royal Society of NZ's research competition
The Royal Society of NZ is celebrating their 150 years by hosting a research competition to showcase New Zealand research to the world using video. There are roughtly $10,000 in prizes and it's open to New-Zealander-based students and researchers who are within 10 years post-PhD in science or the humanities.
