Thursday 1 July 2021 11:02am
Professor David Murdoch has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.
Professor David Murdoch will be the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, taking up the position in early 2022.
“I care deeply about the University. I am very much looking forward to beginning in the role next year and working with staff, students and the many groups of people who are important to me and the University’s future.”
Professor Murdoch, a distinguished academic and recognised world-leader in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia and other respiratory infections, is currently Dean and Head of Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch.
University of Otago Chancellor, Dr Royden Somerville QC, says Professor Murdoch was selected from a pool of outstanding candidates after an extensive global recruitment search.
“Professor Murdoch is an internationally-renowned researcher and teacher who has several global partnerships. He is a values-driven and empathetic academic leader who has a demonstrated record in developing positive organisational structures that encourage diversity and inclusiveness. He is also a strong advocate for equity, global citizenship and Te Tiriti-led partnership.
“He will be an outstanding leader who will ensure that we are well positioned to face the future and confront the challenges and embrace opportunities of the 21st century. I know that he is committed to building the University’s future as a leading public university with a rich heritage, not only here in Aotearoa, but also internationally,” Dr Somerville says.
Professor Murdoch says he is honoured to take on the role of Vice-Chancellor.
“I care deeply about the University. I am very much looking forward to beginning in the role next year and working with staff, students and the many groups of people who are important to me and the University’s future.”
He says his decision to apply for the role was not made lightly given his nearly 20 years on the Christchurch campus.
“However, as I’m not leaving the institution, you can expect me to continue to take a great interest in activities here in Christchurch, such as the building project and the many great research and education endeavours.”
Professor Murdoch graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Otago in 1985, following that with a Doctorate in Medicine at the University in 2003. He also has a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from the University of London.
Last year, Professor Murdoch was the recipient of the University of Otago’s Distinguished Research Medal. The Medal is awarded for outstanding scholarly achievement, including the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge, or development of concepts that lead to significant advances in the field.
He was the Head of Pathology at the University of Otago, Christchurch during the Canterbury earthquakes, and involved in the planning of the Te Papa Hauora, the Christchurch Health Precinct, including a new building for the University campus.
Among Professor Murdoch’s other notable achievements are a leading role in a landmark Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded global study of childhood pneumonia that changed the way the disease is diagnosed, treated and prevented in developing countries; and years of research that has re-written the world view on Legionnaires’ disease. He is also the co-director of the One Health Aotearoa research alliance, a diverse network of infectious disease experts working to address health hazards at the human, animal and environmental interface.
Professor Murdoch will commence as Vice-Chancellor early in 2022. He will move to Dunedin with his wife, Dr Lynley Cook, a public health physician.
A replacement process for Professor Murdoch’s current role as Dean will begin and details will emerge in due course. There will be a transition period for the remainder of 2021 before he fully starts in his role as Vice-Chancellor next year.
Professor Helen Nicholson will continue in the role of acting Vice-Chancellor until Professor Murdoch starts. Dr Somerville thanks Professor Nicholson for her invaluable leadership during this time.