Four University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka scholars have had their academic impact recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Professors Tim Anderson, Michael Baker, John Crump, and Peter Dearden have been selected as Fellows of the Society’s Academy and will officially be inducted at a ceremony in Wellington on 30 April.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Distinguished Professor Greg Cook praised their selection, noting that each has made exceptional contributions across a wide range of scientific fields, including public health and medicine, global health challenges, genomics, and pest eradication.
“Their work has delivered profound societal benefits while also advancing scientific knowledge more broadly,” he says.
He added that their impact extends beyond research, with each contributing generously to the community through public engagement and education, making their recognition by the Royal Society especially fitting.
Professor Tim Anderson, Department of Medicine, Christchurch
Elected for clinical research in neurology and movement disorders
Professor Tim Anderson
Professor Anderson (FRACP) is a neurologist–scientist with an international reputation for his achievements in the field of movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
His clinical research has encompassed patients affected by other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases, disabling neuropsychiatric complications, and traumatic brain injury. His discoveries range from analysis of speech and swallowing impairments to tracking eye movements for diagnosis and management.
Clinical Director at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute for 15 years, he co-leads a groundbreaking international longitudinal cohort study of Parkinson’s patients that is helping to establish biomarkers of cognitive decline.
Professor Anderson is “rather stunned, but thrilled” to be elected as a Fellow and is very grateful to his nominators.
“This honour is really the result of the wonderful and fruitful collaboration between the many neuroscientist and clinician colleagues over some 20 years at the New Zealand Brain Research Institute.
“I am particularly grateful to the University of Otago for such tremendous support over many years, and especially that of the successive Heads of the Department of Medicine, Christchurch who have been unfailing in their support of me and the wider research team, even in challenging times.”
Professor Michael Baker, Department of Public Health, Wellington
Elected for outstanding contributions to epidemiology and public health
Professor Michael Baker
In an applied research career spanning 35 years, Professor Baker (MNZM FAFPHM FNZCPHM) has advanced the field of epidemiology, control, and prevention of infectious disease.
His work has provided an empirical base for quantifying the impact of infectious diseases, identifying modifiable risk factors, implementing interventions, and evaluating their impact. A common theme has been protecting the public from avoidable infections, and reducing ethnic and socioeconomic inequities, whether for food-borne campylobacteriosis, rheumatic fever and heart disease, or the global Covid-19 pandemic.
As well as generating a robust evidence-base, he has promoted translation of knowledge into policy and practice through prolific publication and highly effective science communication.
Professor Baker feels “honoured” to be elected as a Fellow and “grateful for the support of colleagues, collaborators and communities” throughout his career.
“The importance of a strong, trusted science sector has never been greater. The Royal Society has played a vital role in supporting this sector for over 150 years.
“Aotearoa New Zealand’s successful Covid-19 response demonstrated what can be achieved when governments act decisively on scientific evidence. We now need that same approach to address other major challenges, including the climate emergency, sustainable food systems, and strengthening disease prevention to improve population health and equity,” he says.
Professor John A. Crump, Centre for International Health
Elected for breakthroughs in management of non-malaria fever and sepsis in tropical regions
Professor John A. Crump
Professor Crump (FRCP FRACP FRCPA) is a world authority on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of non-malaria fever and sepsis in the tropics.
Through use of new tools to address key hypotheses on bacterial and viral causes of tropical fever, he has contributed to unmasking overdiagnosis of malaria and a range of overlooked causes of fever. His work has catalysed landmark changes in public health policy and has spurred development and deployment of vaccines for typhoid, paratyphoid fever, and nontyphoidal Salmonella invasive disease.
He is committed to supporting responsible global health partnerships and training of researchers from under-resourced countries.
Professor Crump is “honoured” to be elected as a Fellow.
“This recognition reflects not only my own contributions, but the outstanding global health research community at the University of Otago and our collaborators worldwide.
“I hope to use this platform to advocate strongly for New Zealand to play a more ambitious and principled role in advancing global health progress, especially during this time of growing focus by nations on domestic concerns.”
Professor Peter Dearden, Department of Biochemistry
Elected for significant research contributions to evolutionary development biology
Professor Peter Dearden
Professor Dearden is a geneticist and expert in evolutionary developmental biology. He has led multiple international genome initiatives, including analysing the genomes of every living kākāpō to support conservation. His work on bees has been economically important for the beekeeping industry.
His most recent programme investigates gene-drive technologies to control invasive wasps, enabling Aotearoa New Zealand to make decisions about the use of these tools in pest management that are scientifically robust and ethically informed.
As the Founding Director of Genomics Aotearoa, Professor Dearden played a pivotal role in building the nation’s genomic and genetics research capability.
Committed to public engagement, he created ‘Lab-in-a-Box' (a shipping container transformed into a mobile laboratory) which has brought hands-on molecular biology to schools and communities across New Zealand and the Pacific.
He feels “honoured” to be elected as a Fellow and acknowledges the team around him.
“It's wonderful to be recognised for my work, but everything I am being recognised for has been done with talented postdocs, students and collaborators, and this is a recognition of their brilliance as well.”