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Pūranga karere

Better targeted prediabetes care needed

Friday 24 February 2023

A more targeted approach to the screening and treatment of prediabetes is likely to be more effective at preventing type 2 diabetes and to reduce strain on primary health care sector resources, according to researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington.

Improving type 1 diabetes control in Pasifika children

Friday 6 January 2023

Dr Isaiah Immanuel is conducting a one-year study, funded by Research for Children Aotearoa, to discover why Pasifika youth with type 1 diabetes are experiencing problems maintaining good control of their disease.

Connecting physical and mental health

Monday 19 December 2022

Dr Matthew Jenkins is bringing his background in Physical Education and Psychology to his research into helping those living with serious mental illnesses stay physically healthy.

Game-changing therapy

Monday 19 December 2022

Dr Katie Douglas foresees a day when people will visit a mental health service, undergo an assessment and walk away with a course of psychological therapy tailored to their own profile of challenges and strengths.

Sovereign rights to health and wellbeing

Monday 19 December 2022

A passion for upholding sovereign rights to health and wellbeing for tangata whenua has led Dr Paula Toko King to a career in Kaupapa Māori research that encompasses areas of racism, disability, care and protection, youth justice and prison.

Housing the homeless is the first step

Thursday 15 December 2022

Providing unconditional access to housing is the first step towards improving the mental and physical health and wellbeing of those experiencing homelessness, researchers say.

Hidden Healthcare Heroes

Wednesday 7 December 2022

A new cohort of behind-the-scenes healthcare heroes are about to graduate from the University of Otago.

The rising tide: Three friends, one dream

Wednesday 7 December 2022

They say good things come in threes. Kaitlyn Cocker-Valu, Brenetta Pogi and Fuatino Heath, who completed high school, an anatomy degree and now a medical degree together, know that to be true.

Youth support for smokefree generation policy

Wednesday 9 November 2022

Young people have shown strong support for the Government’s proposal to introduce a smokefree generation, a study by researchers at the University of Otago has found.

Med Safety Week

Monday 7 November 2022

It's Med Safety Week. Medsafe monitors the safety of medicines to help protect patients from harm.

Digital security issue

Friday 7 October 2022

The University was made aware on Wednesday afternoon of a digital security issue which was found by a student and passed on to Critic Te Ārohi, the Otago University Student Association student magazine.

Blues nomination just the beginning

Tuesday 27 September 2022

Third-year student Corey Symon has experienced his fair share of challenges including COVID-19 disruptions but none of them have stopped him from working hard on his study and sporting goals.

Grant to assess Māori COVID-19 vaccine clinic work

Friday 23 September 2022

A mobile vaccination clinic initiative to improve Māori rates of protection from COVID-19 in Canterbury has been awarded a major Te Whatu Ora grant to assess its future viability.

Taking on the Global Young Scientist Summit

Wednesday 21 September 2022

Two University of Otago students are thrilled to have won spots at an international event that will see them mingling with Nobel Prize winners.

Pacific doctor awarded rural health medal

Friday 16 September 2022

A Pacific doctor and Otago postgraduate student has been awarded the Dr Amjad Hamid Medal at the 2022 National Rural Health Conference held in Christchurch this month.

Calls for automated insulin delivery system to be funded

Thursday 15 September 2022

University of Otago researchers are urging the Government to fund an automated insulin delivery system for type 1 diabetes patients, after a recent study showed it to now be “the best way” to manage the disease.

'Great sadness' at Queen's death

Friday 9 September 2022

The University expresses heartfelt condolences to King Charles and the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

September 2022 Digital Calendar

Thursday 1 September 2022

The September 2022 Digital Calendar photo was taken by Ario Smith, former Developer Marketing Content, External Engagement

Talented early career researchers recognised

Thursday 1 September 2022

Six researchers working in areas ranging from the prevention and treatment of heart attacks to the social effects of religion have had their efforts recognised with Early Career Researcher Awards.

New leaders in Division of Health Sciences

Thursday 11 August 2022

Professor Patricia Priest is the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Division of Health Sciences - Te Wāhanga Matua Mātau and Professor Neil Gemmell has filled the newly created Acting Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor role.

Interprofessional healthcare education boosts early career skills

Tuesday 9 August 2022

Health professional students who attended a five-week interprofessional education programme in Tairāwhiti run by the University of Otago several times each year developed better teamwork skills and more positive attitudes to working collaboratively with others, a study has found.

Young people ask for help only once

Friday 5 August 2022

Psychiatrists are concerned young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are missing out on specialist mental health care with potentially life-long repercussions, according to new research from the Universities of Otago and Auckland.

New Bill marks the beginning of the end for cigarettes and tobacco in Aotearoa

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Researchers from the University of Otago’s ASPIRE 2025 Research Centre, which carries out research to support the Smokefree 2025 goal, welcome the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill that Associate Health Minister Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall introduced to Parliament today.

Repatriation ceremony 'important part of healing process'

Tuesday 26 July 2022

Acknowledging and apologising for the past at a hokomaurahiri (repatriation ceremony) of Kōimi T’chakat Moriori (Moriori skeletal remains) was an important part of the healing process, the University of Otago’s representative at the ceremony says.

Simple, not embarrassing

Tuesday 19 July 2022

As a full-time student and a frontline health worker, Annie Geda has a piece of simple but life-saving advice for other students.

Acute alcohol use linked to one quarter of New Zealand suicide deaths - study

Friday 15 July 2022

The authors of a ground-breaking University of Otago, Christchurch study are calling for immediate changes to Aotearoa New Zealand’s suicide prevention strategy and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, due to figures showing more than 26 per cent of all suicide deaths in this country involve acute alcohol use.

Health research another way to contribute for new doctor

Tuesday 5 July 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed the door to placements overseas for students in their final year of medical school, it opened another door for Dr Aqeeda Singh, who made the most of the chance to pursue her love of research.

Change needed urgently, practitioners say

Thursday 30 June 2022

A group of New Zealand health practitioners is calling on the Government to change its approach to the way it cares for people with osteoarthritis, and to do so urgently.

Christchurch campus redevelopment site blessed

Wednesday 22 June 2022

Construction of the University of Otago, Christchurch’s new campus building took an important, symbolic step forward last week with an official on-site blessing ceremony.

Improving stroke care: what survivors say

Friday 10 June 2022

New Zealand stroke survivors have told researchers a range of improvements to stroke care is needed, including better access for non-urban residents to specialist stroke care units, improved support and coordination of care after discharge from hospital, better communication, and a focus on providing culturally safe care to Māori.

Portrait honours renowned scientist Dr Leopold Kirschner

Thursday 9 June 2022

A portrait of the late, internationally recognised leptospirosis researcher and survivor of both World Wars, Dr Leopold Kirschner, has been unveiled at the University of Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

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

Wednesday 8 June 2022

The past two years have caused widespread disruption, anxiety, loss and grief worldwide – but a new University of Otago, Christchurch, study has identified a concerning link between ongoing COVID-19 disruption and worsening mental health for those most at risk.

College of learning inspires PhD journey

Wednesday 18 May 2022

As someone who researches the importance of sleep to diet, Silke Morrison is quick to highlight that she prioritised maintaining a normal sleeping pattern during her PhD. 

$900,000 funding for Otago health researchers

Thursday 12 May 2022

Six Otago researchers have each been awarded a $150,000 Health Research Council Explorer Grant to support transformative research ideas that have a good chance of making a revolutionary change to managing New Zealanders’ health.

When medicine and literature meet

Thursday 12 May 2022

Professor Dick Sainsbury has enjoyed a distinguished forty-year career as a consultant physician in geriatric medicine as well as a researcher, teacher and mentor at the University of Otago, Christchurch.

Scholarship just the beginning 

Wednesday 11 May 2022

Anika Moana Kite Perenara is the recipient of a scholarship for Māori students in their second year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme.

Otago boosts economy by $1.79 billion

Tuesday 10 May 2022

The University of Otago contributed $1.79 billion in total value added to the New Zealand economy last year, a new report has revealed.

Knighthood for EDOR Co-Director Professor Jim Mann

Friday 6 May 2022

Professor Jim Mann received his Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit from the New Zealand Governor-General, in an investiture ceremony held at Government House this week.

Dr Latika Samalia's teaching excellence recognised

Friday 22 April 2022

Dr Latika Samalia was presented with the korowai Rauaroha to formally acknowledge the awarding of the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award of the 2021 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards.

Gavin Bishop - Mixing it up in medicine

Thursday 21 April 2022

Medical student Gavin Bishop is taking a year out from the traditional medical school pathway to carry out a research project on dual practice.

Call for pipe upgrades after Asbestos found in Christchurch drinking water

Wednesday 13 April 2022

A new study concludes ageing underground pipes in many Christchurch suburbs are leaching asbestos fibres into the city’s main water supply; and although raising no immediate concerns for public health, the results are prompting calls for a prioritised pipe replacement programme.

Study calls for urgent regulation of unhealthy home deliveries

Wednesday 6 April 2022

Ordering an online Uber Eats, other food, alcohol or vaping delivery from the comfort of your couch is hugely popular – but a new study is calling for urgent Government action, due to concerns unregulated, on-demand home deliveries may be damaging the nation’s health.

The price of keeping kids warm at night

Wednesday 30 March 2022

The cost of heating a child’s bedroom through the night in a Wellington winter would run through 46 per cent of the government’s Winter Energy Payment, which is paid to qualifying beneficiaries and all superannuitants to help with heating costs, a study by researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington has found.

UOC Shares Painting Gifted to Christchurch Muslim Community

Thursday 17 March 2022

The University of Otago, Christchurch, has shared a painting with staff and students – artwork which was gifted by the campus to the local Muslim community at a special March 15th 2019 remembrance service held two years ago.

Continuing the legacy

Tuesday 15 March 2022

It’s always a win when a young woman realises her dream and has the support of other women to make it a reality.

Prestigious award for Associate Professor Khoon Lim

Tuesday 8 March 2022

Associate Professor Khoon Lim, from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, has been awarded the European Society for Biomaterials' coveted Jean Leray Award for 2022

Nitrate levels in drinking water and bowel cancer

Friday 4 March 2022

The formation of cancer-causing chemicals in the gut could be at the heart of understanding how high levels of nitrate in our drinking water contribute to increasing the risk of bowel (colorectal) cancer, New Zealand researchers say.

Volleyball champions take out top spots

Thursday 17 February 2022

The ultimate summer plans involve days in the sun surrounded by golden sand and waves, which is exactly what was on the cards for teams attending the University Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) Beach Volleyball Championship.

New Dunedin School of Medicine Dean appointed

Friday 11 February 2022

Professor Joanne Baxter (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) is the new Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine, at the University of Otago.

New Dunedin School of Medicine Dean appointed

Thursday 10 February 2022

Professor Joanne Baxter (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) is the new Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine, at the University of Otago.

Lack of support for women who have early miscarriages, study finds

Thursday 3 February 2022

Women are not being offered the mental health support they need after experiencing a miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy, despite healthcare workers recognising it as a significant loss, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.

Professor Vicky Cameron – Chasing Genes and Climbing Mountains

Thursday 3 February 2022

Professor Vicky Cameron has devoted her distinguished University of Otago career to scientific discovery, or, in her own words, “the hunting of tiny things”- from larval tapeworms in fish, to brain cells expressing newly-described hormone genes, and culprit gene variants contributing to human heart disease.

Reimagining school uniforms

Thursday 27 January 2022

School uniforms need a radical redesign to better meet the needs of students, particularly for girls, who are often forced to wear uniforms that prevent them from being physically active in their lunch breaks and from cycling to and from school, a public health researcher says.

Cancer cohort supports wide range of research

Tuesday 25 January 2022

A Dunedin School of Medicine research programme which flies under the radar is credited with supporting two Rutherford Fellowships, Marsden-funded studies and numerous other significant projects seeking improved outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

Addressing inequities in cancer care

Friday 21 January 2022

Three Otago researchers have secured significant grants for research aimed at addressing the stark inequities in cancer care and survival for Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Call to report bottled water quality results on labels

Thursday 13 January 2022

Bottled water is often perceived as clean and free of contaminants compared to tap water, but University of Otago researchers believe water quality results need to be printed on the label.

Discrimination placing LGBTIQ+ people at risk of homelessness

Tuesday 21 December 2021

Discrimination in the housing market, as well as structural issues such as poverty, racism and instability, are placing Takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ people at higher risk of homelessness, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.

Christchurch medical graduand juggles study and motherhood

Friday 10 December 2021

Malisa Mulholland is too modest to call herself a trailblazer but the final stages of her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) certainly paved the way for other medical students to follow in her footsteps.

Cook Islands doctor upskills with Otago diploma

Friday 10 December 2021

A doctor who grew up in Myanmar and now practises in the Cook Islands has become just the second Pacific Islands based clinician to complete a University of Otago postgraduate diploma in Rural and Provincial Hospital Practice.