Who we are and what we do
Research and Enterprise supports and assists researchers in the identification of funding opportunities, partnering with business, grant applications, and the establishment of research contracts. We work closely with academic staff, students and Otago Innovation Ltd (the University’s wholly-owned commercialisation arm) to foster a culture of enterprise and collaboration.
Research Advisors (RAs) support researchers with contestable funding processes. They advise on contestable funds, assist in the development of teams and proposals and undertake the subsequent negotiation and management of research contracts. Each RA looks after a number of Departments and most are within their respective Divisions to foster frequent interactions with the researchers and departmental/centre managers. If you are new to the University or new to a department, please make contact with your respective RA as your first point of contact.
Business Development Managers (BDMs) support researchers with industry engagement and partnering with other end-users of research. BDMs are specialised to assist with non-contestable funding processes, government funding, industry relations or large interdisciplinary, multi-party opportunities/ventures. Each BDM looks after a number of sectors (not department-specific) that represents the University of Otago's Research & Development areas in New Zealand. Most BDMs are situated in the Research & Enterprise Office (Centre for Innovation building) on the Dunedin campus. We also have BDMs based in Wellington and Auckland. If you are interested in finding relevant end-users that could benefit from and potentially support your research, or if you have such connections, but would like to build on them (i.e. through Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Callaghan Innovation), please make contact with your respective BDM.
The RA and BDM teams are supported by an Operations Team comprising of the Research Administrators (RADs) and Research Finance Administrators (RFAs). The RADs provide support for the application and contracting processes. The RFAs manage on-going project finances, invoicing and reporting requirements for awarded research grants.
Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise
Professor Richard Blaikie – Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Professor Blaikie is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, and Professor in Physics at the University of Otago. He received his B.Sc. (Hons) degree from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1988 and his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Cambridge, U.K., in 1992. For one year, he was a visiting scientist at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory investigating single-electron transport effects in semiconductor nanostructures. He returned to New Zealand in 1993 to take up a position in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Canterbury, prior to moving to his current role at Otago.
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Blaikie oversees all of the research and commercialisation activities of the University.
Tel 64 3 479 8835
Email dvc.research@otago.ac.nz
Dr David Geraghty - Senior Research and Policy Analyst
David joined the Research Divisional office in July 2017 as the Senior Research and Policy Analyst. In this role, David provides strategic research and policy advice and analysis in support of the delivery of the University’s strategic objectives.
Prior to this posting David was a Senior Analyst in the Planning and Funding Office, where he played a lead role in the development of various University-wide plans, strategies and reports and coordinated the University’s engagement with the major world university rankings (QS, Times Higher, Shanghai). David has a PhD in literary theory (specialising in orientalism and cosmopolitanism) through Monash University, Melbourne.
Tel 64 3 479 7674
Email david.geraghty@otago.ac.nz
Nadya Shaw Bennett – Executive Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Nadya joined the office in September 2016 as an Executive Assistant. Her role is to provide executive assistance to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, and to co-ordinate the financial and HR requirements of the Division while also overseeing the organisation of the annual Research Awards.
Tel 64 3 479 8835
Email nadya.shawbennett@otago.ac.nz
Research and Enterprise Director
Dr Gavin Clark - Director, Research and Enterprise
Gavin has a PhD in microbiology from the University of Surrey. He served studentships at Nestle (Switzerland) and Glaxo Group Research (UK), then worked in anti-infective discovery research at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (1993-96). Since 1997 Gavin has specialised in knowledge transfer, serving a variety of roles in universities, government and spin-outs in NZ and in the UK.
Gavin commercialised technology at the Universities of Edinburgh (1997-99) and Bristol (2000-03), then moved to NZ to be Director of Commercialisation at Massey University (2003-07) and founding CEO of Polybatics Ltd. (2005-07). Returning to the UK for the period 2007-12, Gavin was Deputy Director of the Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network, advisor to government in the Innovation and Growth Team for Industrial Biotechnology, and Industrial Liaison Director at an Engineering Doctorate Centre at Newcastle University.
Gavin returned to New Zealand in August 2012 to take up the post of Director of Research & Enterprise at the University of Otago. Gavin is co-founder of the SEED enterprise programme that inspires student teams to form start-ups, a member of the steering committee of NZ's Consortium for Medical Device Technologies and a Director of NZBIO.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel 64 3 479 8983
Email gavin.clark@otago.ac.nz^
Isabelle Butler
Executive Assistant Isabelle's role is to provide executive assistance to the Director within Research and Enterprise as well as office management for the Research and Enterprise Team including finance, human resource and administrative functions, Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David Street, Dunedin, Tel 64 3 479 8905 Email: isabelle.butler@otago.ac.nz
Business Development Managers (by sectors)
Email enterprise@otago.ac.nz
Dr Rachel Elliot - Food, Nutrition, Health & Wellbeing
Rachel has a PhD in microbiology from the University of Otago. She worked on projects in bacterial drug resistance at Queens University in Canada before returning to New Zealand. Rachel worked for five years at Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company as a Senior Development Scientist involved in new product development, and then as a consultant on a variety of research based assignments in the healthcare sector for university and industry clients.
Rachel works with researchers to identify new research funding opportunities, and develops and manages relationships with collaborating institutions, government, and business in the food & beverage sector, and in nutrition, health and wellbeing. Her role has a particular focus on strategic projects.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5895
Mobile +64 21 279 5895
Email rachel.elliot@otago.ac.nz
Mr David Grimmett - Biomedical Technologies and Asia Partnerships
David has an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Otago and experience working in animal and human health research (AgResearch and University of Otago, Wellington), teaching secondary school science (Bayfield High School) and managing sales of scientific equipment (Biolab Limited).
David has worked in the enterprise area since January 2005 as a Business Development Manager leading the biotechnology sector, spanning the Health Sciences and Sciences Divisions of the University.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8471
Mobile +64 21 798 471
Email david.grimmett@otago.ac.nz
Dr Kirby-Jane Hallum – Culture, Society & Economy
Kirby-Jane has a PhD in English from the University of Auckland. She has experience researching and teaching nineteenth-century literature, managing community engagement and producing professional theatre.
Prior to joining the Research and Enterprise Team in May 2017, Kirby spent several years working in research development at the University of Auckland Business School where her main duties were to support academics in applying for funding and to foster links with other faculties and wider New Zealand research initiatives.
Committed to encouraging and sustaining researchers to undertake high quality research of value to New Zealand’s society and economy, Kirby-Jane is responsible for providing advice and assisting Division of Humanities and Otago Business School researchers in identifying new funding opportunities and developing relationships with companies, community groups, not-for-profits and government agencies.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8965
Mobile +64 27 474 5023
Email: kirby.hallum@otago.ac.nz
Dr Mara Wolkenhauer - Environment, Energy and Agriculture
Mara joined Research & Enterprise in late 2014, having moved to Dunedin from Brisbane. Prior to taking up the Enterprise Manager (EM) role here, Mara worked as a Programme Manager for the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence, developing and managing R&D funds that enhance management and use of water recycling through industry and research partnership. Mara was also responsible for the facilitation of Research Advisory and Commercialisation Advisory Committees. Mara has a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Rostock (Germany) in collaboration with The University of Queensland and the Commonwealth Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Mara is the primary BDM contact for the following departments: Botany, Geography, Geology, Marine Sciences, School of Surveying, Zoology, as well as the Centre for Sustainability (CSAFE) and the environmental chemistry group in Chemistry. Mara also looks after the 5 National Science Challenges that are linked to the environmental portfolio: Biological Heritage, Deep South, Our Land & Water, Sustainable Seas, and the Resilience Challenge, as well as the Regional Research Institutes Initative.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5937
Mobile +64 21 222 7346
Email mara.wolkenhauer@otago.ac.nz
Dr Carthika Luxmanan – Biotech and Public Health
Before starting work at Research & Enterprise, Carthika worked for Pacific Edge Limited, Dunedin, as a research scientist. She was initially involved in the research & development, and improvement of a bladder cancer diagnostic assay, Cxbladder Detect, then later gained experience working on clinical trial set up and clinical utility assessment of Cxbladder. Working in this sector also provided Carthika with opportunities to experience sales and marketing of diagnostic products. With a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Otago, Carthika is thus experienced in the principles of both basic and applied research.
Carthika is excited about the prospect of developing new and sustainable collaborations between researchers and funding bodies.
Location: Centre For Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
DDI: +64 3 479 9610
Mobile: +64211851120
Email: Carthika.luxmanan@otago.ac.nz
Murray Kennedy
Prior to taking up the Business Development Manager (BDM) role in early 2018, Murray has worked in a variety of Dunedin based biotechnology companies in science, production and logistics roles. Most recently, at Seperex Nutritionals as Senior Scientist dealing with technical manufacturing processes, quality control and the regulatory environment. As Seperex is an export focussed company, this required close engagement with overseas customers to enable product development and marketing.
Murray has also been a scientist and logistics manager at the Dunedin oral probiotics company BLIS Technologies actively involved in the process of developing and maintaining key contract manufacturer relationships. Murray also has experience of the dairy industry, having worked for the Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company and Westland Milk Products.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 2 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8907
Mobile +64 21 279 8906
Email murray.kennedy@otago.ac.nz
Mary Gower
Prior to joining Research and Enterprise Mary completed a PhD and postdoctoral fellowship in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Mary has worked in the Research and Enterprise Office for over five years, first as a Research Advisor and then as a Business Development Manager. During this time she has covered a diverse range of portfolios including biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, food, advanced technologies and materials and continues to do so. She is currently working out of our Christchurch office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday.
Location: Level 5, 2 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 378 6260
Email: mary.gower@otago.ac.nz
Dr Fernanda da Silva Tatley - Business Development Manager
Fernanda graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Master of Zoology and a PhD in Medical Microbiology. Initially her research was on the mechanisms of transmission of bacterial resistance genes, and then later on the identification of mycobacterial virulence genes and how these stimulate the immune system. In 1999 she joined Parry Guilfold’s team in the Cancer Genetics Laboratory, and later became a senior scientist at Pacific Edge Biotechnology.
Fernanda has also worked as an Account Manager for Roche Diagnostics NZ Ltd, while at the same time attaining a Master of Entrepreneurship from the University of Otago. At this point she became a Research Advisor within Research and Enterprise, and later an Enterprise Manager. She left Otago University in the middle of 2010 to launch her own natural skin care company which is now in the process of being sold.
With her experience in academia, IP protection, commercialisation, dealing with government organisations and in the business world Fernanda is well positioned to support researchers in their endeavours to attract external funding for their research, while encouraging the development of strategic relationships with the academic and business sectors.
Returning in October 2015 as a Business Development Manager, Fernanda is the primary contact for MBIE and related funding organisations.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8476
Mobile +64 21 279 3497
Email: fernanda.dasilvatatley@otago.ac.nz
Dr Victoria Farmer - Business Development Manager
Victoria has a PhD from the Department of Medicine and a MSc from the Department of Microbiology, University of Otago. Her PhD investigated whether changes aimed at encouraging children to experience and manage risk in primary school play environments affected physical activity, body weight and bullying.
Prior to joining Research and Enterprise in 2016, Victoria worked for 12 years within the Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research (EDOR) group where she was involved in numerous applications, research projects and collaborations.
Victoria’s role is to maximise external funding with a particular focus on new initiatives available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). She provides funding advice to academic staff throughout the University, identifies and develops opportunities for research teams to capitalise on their ideas, and builds partnerships with public and private research funders.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8718
Mobile +64 21 190 9258
Email: victoria.farmer@otago.ac.nz
David Powell - Business Development Manager - Auckland
David Powell has over 25 years direct experience in international business and export industry strategy and practice. David is a sought-after business mentor for companies looking to expand around the world. He brings strength to client companies by assisting them with export and market strategy and operational issues. He also has a passion for social enterprise and how it can impact social and economic development around the world.
Previous to this role, as the Managing Director of Lost Ark Discoveries, a New Zealand based consulting group that specialises in business growth, innovation, future thinking and economic development, David provided services to a wide range of clients, from local and central government, Fortune 500 companies through to small to medium export enterprises. He has delivered training and mentoring to many groups of exporters in international marketing and is a sought-after speaker and meeting facilitator. Additionally he has held a variety of roles in the public and private sector, including senior roles with Trade New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, as well as undertaking consulting projects with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Belize Trade and Investment (Beltraide), Intracen (International Trade Centre, Geneva) and Pacific Islands Trade and Invest.
David has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Arts. He has a passion for social enterprise and serves as an advisor to a number of foundations that use the power of business to impact social and economic development projects overseas.
As Business Development Manager for the Auckland region David's role builds linkages between the University and the business community, working primarily with the Biotech, Food and Health sectors.
Location: Level 4, University of Otago House, 385 Queen St, PO Box 5543, Auckland
Tel +64 9 373 9711
Mobile +64 21 983 499
Email d.powell@otago.ac.nz
Dr James Conner - Senior Enterprise Manager - Government Sector, Wellington
James has a broad academic, public sector and commercial background in the health, education and defence areas. James came to the office in 2009 from his role as Vendor Relationship Manager within the Information Directorate, Ministry of Health. Prior to this he was Business Manager/Acting Director at the Centre for Military and Veterans' Health, University of Queensland. His academic background includes roles as Visiting Lecturer in Political Science, University of Canterbury where he was also a Research Associate at the National Centre for Research on Europe; Teaching Fellow in Defence Studies at Massey University; and Dean of Public Administration, Military Studies Institute, New Zealand Army.
James holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Canterbury and is also a journalist and registered psychologist. James' role, based in Wellington, is to promote and support Research and Enterprise through strategic planning and engagement with University stakeholders along with maintaining and building key relationships with the government sector.
Location: Research and Enterprise Office - University of Otago, Wellington City Office
Level 5, 117 Lambton Quay
PO Box 400, Wellington 6140
Tel +64 3 460 9808
Mobile +64 21 241 8011
Email james.conner@otago.ac.nz
Research Advisors (Science, Commerce and Humanities)
Email research@otago.ac.nz
Fax +64 3 479 8465
Kate Berard - Division of Sciences
Kate has a BA(Hons) in Psychology from the University of Otago. She has worked in the health, hospitality and recruitment sectors, as well as a variety of roles within the University's research arena.
Kate has been a Research Advisor for the Division of Sciences since September 2005 and is responsible for Chemistry, Centre for Materials Science and Technology, Computer Science, Food Science, Human Nutrition, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Physics, and Psychology.
Location: Room G30, Ground floor, Union Court, 85 Union St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8484
Email: kate.berard@otago.ac.nz
Dr Gabrielle Hine - Otago Business School, Centre for Sustainability and the Bioethics Centre
Gabrielle joined Research and Enterprise in August 2013. Prior to this appointment, she spent several years working in international export and within the University as a lecturer and tutor. Gabrielle has a PhD in Media, Film and Communication and Gender Studies from the University of Otago. Gabrielle’s role is to provide advice to researchers on contestable internal and external funding opportunities and research proposals, as well as the management of research contracts. Gabrielle is responsible for the Otago Business School, Centre for Sustainability and the Bioethics Centre.
Location: Room 208, Level 2, Otago Business School, 60 Clyde St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5934
Mobile +64 (0)21 229 0639
Email: gabrielle.hine@otago.ac.nz
Marjolein Righarts - Division of Humanities, the Higher Education Development Centre, and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Marjolein joined the Research and Enterprise Office in 2012. She also has experience working in government in Australia and New Zealand in various project and communications roles. Marjolein has a PhD in Politics from the University of Otago.
Marjolein’s role is to provide advice to researchers on contestable funding opportunities and research proposals, as well as the management of research contracts. Marjolein is currently the Research Advisor for the Division of Humanities, the Higher Education Development Centre, and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Research Advisor | Division of Humanities; Pharmacology & Toxicology; and HEDC
Ph: 021 988 470
Email: marjolein.righarts@otago.ac.nz
Research Advisors (Health Sciences)
Christine Groves - Division of Health Sciences
Based at University of Otago Wellington, Christine has a BAppSci. (Information Systems and Technology). She also has an NZCE in Computers & Electronics and has also held Project Management Professional certification from PMI. She worked for Airways Corporation and the Ministry of Economic Development before joining the Research Office in March 2003.
Christine is a member of the Research and Enterprise Management team. Christine also supports researchers at the University of Otago Wellington Campus on all aspects of developing research proposals and managing research contracts.
Location: 23a Mein St, Newtown, Wellington
Tel +64 4 918 6855
Mobile +64 21 279 5541
Email christine.groves@otago.ac.nz
Dr Melony Black - Division of Health Sciences
Mel’s research background is in Neuroscience. She holds a BSc(Hons) from the University of Otago and a PhD from Purdue University (USA). Prior to joining Research & Enterprise at the beginning of 2015, she held a variety of research roles within NZ in the areas of neurobiology and developmental cell biology. Mel is currently the Research Advisor for the departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Pharmacology & Toxicology.
Location: Room 802, Microbiology Building, 720 Cumberland Street
Tel +64 3 479 4591
Email melony.black@otago.ac.nz
Ali Cameron - Dunedin School of Medicine
Ali has held a research advisory role supporting the academic and research staff of the Dunedin School of Medicine since 2003. In the past her role included the management of the ODHB (now SDHB) Health Research Office and consequently Ali has had extensive experience in the contracting of Commercial Clinical Trials. She is now the Research Advisor for the Dunedin School of Medicine departments of General Practice & Rural Health, Preventive and Social Medicine, Psychological Medicine, and Women’s and Children’s Health.
Location: Health Research South, D.S.M., 1st Floor, Dunedin Public Hospital
Tel +64 3 470 9030
Email ali.cameron@otago.ac.nz
Ms Diana Rothstein - Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Preventive and Social Medicine, Dental School
Diana holds a BA(Hons) in Modern Languages (French and German) from the University of Maine and a Master of International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management, starting her career as a merchant banker in Chicago and Frankfurt, Germany. After moving to New Zealand in 1988, Diana first worked as a consultant with the University Consulting Group and was involved in consultancies with a number of health, education, business, industry, local council and Government organisations.
Diana joined Research and Enterprise in November 2008, having spent ten years in Preventive and Social Medicine as an Assistant Research Fellow, five of those with the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Unit (the Dunedin Study).
Diana is responsible for supporting researchers in the School of Dentistry, the DSM Centre for International Health, the School of Pharmacy and the School of Physiotherapy to identify and develop funding opportunities, and to assist with their research proposals, along with the overall management of research contracts.
Location: Room G28, Sayers Building, 290 Great King Street
Tel +64 3 479 4043
Mobile +64 21 0243 7971
Email diana.rothstein@otago.ac.nz
Dr Edwin Meijerink - Division of Health Sciences
Edwin's role is to support academic and research staff in the Departments of Medicine, Surgical Sciences, Pathology and Biochemistry in the development of research proposals and to negotiate and manage research contracts.
Prior to joining Research and Enterprise in December 2009, Edwin worked as Science Manager at the Dunedin-based research consortia Ovita Ltd and Orico Ltd for projects in the areas of animal health, reproduction, and genetics. He has an academic research background in genetics, and before moving to New Zealand in 2005, worked in commercial research and development for the Swiss-based company Cytos Biotechnology Ltd where he was involved in the development of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of chronic diseases.
Location: Room 113, Biochemistry, 710 Cumberland Street
Tel +64 3 479 4190
Mobile +64 21 279 5085
Email edwin.meijerink@otago.ac.nz
Dr Eric Lord - Division of Health Sciences
Eric was appointed as a Research Advisor for Health Sciences in August 2008. His role is to support academic and research staff in the Departments of Anatomy & Physiology on all aspects of developing research proposals and managing research contracts.
Eric has a research background in the cellular and molecular sciences. From January 2004, Eric worked as a Research Fellow in the Section of Orthopaedic Surgery to develop tissue-engineering strategies for the repair of cartilage injuries to the knee joint. He had a joint appointment with the Department of Anatomy during 2008 to test novel biomaterials with surgical applications. Prior to working at the University of Otago, Eric was a Scientist at AgResearch, initially studying sheep genetics, then as a member of the sheep gene mapping team at the Molecular Biology Unit. In 1999 he went on to explore gene expression in regenerating deer antlers, focusing on the formation of cartilage tissue. Eric completed a PhD study in molecular biology at the Australian National University in 1989 and graduated with a BAgrSc (Honours, First Class) from Lincoln University in 1983.
Location: Room G28, Sayers Building, 290 Great King Street
Tel +64 3 479 4592
Mobile +64 21 279 4592
Email eric.lord@otago.ac.nz
Ms Karen Chaney - Division of Health Sciences – University of Otago, Christchurch
Karen joined Research and Enterprise in 1999. Karen’s role is to provide advice and assistance to researchers on any matters related to research proposals and the management of research contracts within the University of Otago, Christchurch. Karen looks after Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, Psychological Medicine and the Deans Department.
Karen has a NZCS in Physics and has previously worked in the Department of Physics and Purchasing Department at the University of Otago, Otago District Health Board, W Gregg and Co, and Lincoln University.
Location: Level 5, 2 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 378 6260
Email karen.chaney@otago.ac.nz
Mr Kosta Tabakakis - Division of Health Sciences - University of Otago, Christchurch.
Kosta joined Research and Enterprise in October 2014. Kosta has a Master of Health Sciences (Hons) and a Master of Education, both from the University of Canterbury. Over the last decade, Kosta has worked in hospitality and in a variety or research roles within university setting. His research interests include: resilience in nurses, suicide prevention, and sexual health. In his spare time he likes to go running and watch movies.
Within the Christchurch School of Medicine, Kosta is responsible for Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Paediatrics, Population Health, General Practice, Surgery and Anaesthesia.
Location: Level 5, 2 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch
Tel +64 3 378 6370
Email kosta.tabakakis@otago.ac.nz
Legal Team
Mr Will Martin – Legal Advisor
Will joined Research and Enterprise in mid-2012. He has completed degrees at the University of Otago in Law and Commerce and a Post Graduate Diploma majoring in Management. He worked initially with Judith Ablett Kerr QC, then at Webb Farry Lawyers specialising in litigation and commercial law. Will subsequently worked at the Otago Southland Employers’ Association for over 6 years, beginning as a Lawyer and eventually adding to this role, becoming Business Manager. He was a Naval Reserve officer for over 12 years, completing his service as a Lieutenant.
Will’s role is to provide advice and assistance on contractual matters relating to research funding. He has a focus on protecting the intellectual property of the University and researchers where possible, with an eye to any possible commercialisation opportunities that could be passed on to Otago Innovation Limited.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Ground Level (West Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5374
Mobile +64 21 279 5347
Email will.martin@otago.ac.nz
Mr Basil Lawrence – Research Contracts Administrator 
Basil joined Research and Enterprise in April 2013. He brings a variety of administrative experience to the role, including a previous position at the Victoria University Library, and most recently the role of PBRF Project Administrator in the lead-up to the 2012 Quality Evaluation. Basil’s primary responsibilities are to support the Legal Advisor with contractual matters relating to research and enterprise funding, and to provide administrative and contracting services to Research and Enterprise staff to support the contracting process.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (West Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8468
Email basil.lawrence@otago.ac.nz
Operations Team (Administrative, Financial and IT Support)
Dr John Milnes - Operations Manager 
John joined Research and Enterprise as Operations Manager in 2013 and is responsible for the Research Administration and IT support teams. He has been a student at the University of Otago on and off since coming to Dunedin in 1994. He has a PhD and MA in history. His special research interest is World War One and he studied Dunedin church and society 1914-1920 for his doctorate and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles brigade in Sinai and Palestine 1916-1919 for his MA.
Prior to coming to Research and Enterprise John was the Administration Officer at Knox College, Dunedin from 2000-2012.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 4517
Email john.milnes@otago.ac.nz
Ms Lorraine Harris – Information Systems Officer
As Information Systems Officer, Lorraine is responsible for information systems support for Research and Enterprise.
Lorraine’s software support and development experience spans 20 years in a self-employed role and is further enhanced by recently completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (IS&T). Having undertaken MS Access development services to local businesses, provides an understanding of the processes necessary for supporting R&E systems.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Ground Level (West Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8070
Email lorraine.harris@otago.ac.nz
Ms Carmen McNamara - Research Administrator
Carmen's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications and contracts.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5294
Email carmen.mcnamara@otago.ac.nz
Ms Janet Kerr - Research Administrator
Janet's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications and contracts.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 9093
Email janet.kerr@otago.ac.nz
Ms Lindsay Greenwood - Research Administrator
Lindsay's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications and contracts.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8413
Email lindsay.greenwood@otago.ac.nz
Ms Rhonda McSkimming - Research Administrator
Rhonda's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications and contracts.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5671
Email rhonda.mcskimming@otago.ac.nz
Rosemary Wallbutton - Research Administrator
This role provides administrative support to the Fund Specialist Team, in the submission of funding applications for the Ministry of Business Innovation and Enterprise Funding Rounds.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin.
Tel +64 3 479 5978
Email: rosemary.wallbutton@otago.ac.nz
Ms Judy Chamberlain - Research Finance Administrator
Judy's role is to support and maintain all matters pertaining to the financial management and administration of awarded research grants, focusing on Science (except Physics), Physiotherapy, Pharmacology & Toxicology and the Wellington School of Medicine (WSM).
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 4023
Email judy.chamberlain@otago.ac.nz
Ms Lisa Hart - Research Finance Administrator
Lisa's role is to support and maintain all matters pertaining to the financial management and administration of awarded research grants, focusing on Physiology, Commerce, Pharmacy, Dental School and the Christchurch School of Medicine (CSM).
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 8234
Email lisa.hart@otago.ac.nz
Ms Trish Knox - Research Finance Administrator
Trish's role is to support and maintain all matters pertaining to the financial management and administration of awarded research grants, focusing on Anatomy, Microbiology & Immunology, Biochemistry, Humanities and Physics.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 4022
Email trish.knox@otago.ac.nz
Ms Fiona Seaton - Research Committee Administrator
Fiona's role is to support and maintain all matters pertaining to the financial management and administration of internally awarded research grants and Research Committee.
Location: Centre for Innovation, Level 1 (East Wing), 87 St David St, Dunedin
Tel +64 3 479 5967
Email fiona.seaton@otago.ac.nz
Dunedin School of Medicine
Location
Health Research South
Deans Office, Dunedin School of Medicine
Level One
Dunedin Hospital
Great King St
Dunedin
Postal Address
Health Research South
PO Box 913
University of Otago
Dunedin
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:30pm, the Research Advisors maintain two offices so please phone/email to check availability and location.
| Dr Edwin Meijerink, Research Advisor - DSM | |
|---|---|
| Tel +64 3 479 4190 Email edwin.meijerink@otago.ac.nz | Edwin's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications & contracts for staff at the Dunedin School of Medicine. |
| Ali Cameron, Research Advisor - DSM | |
|---|---|
| Tel +64 3 470 9030 Email ali.cameron@otago.ac.nz | Ali's role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications & contracts for staff at the Dunedin School of Medicine. |
University of Otago, Christchurch
Location
Research and Enterprise Office
Department of the Dean
University of Otago, Christchurch
5th floor, 2 Riccarton Avenue
Christchurch
Postal Address
Research and Enterprise Office
Department of the Dean
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345
Christchurch 8140
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tel +64 3 364 0237
Website
| Rebecca Coombes – Research and Development Manager – University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) & Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) | |
|---|---|
| Tel +64 3 364 0038 Mobile: 64 21 364 038 Email rebecca.coombes@otago.ac.nz | Rebecca’s role is to manage the Research and Enterprise Office for the University of Otago, Christchurch and the Canterbury District Health Board |
| Karen Keelan - Māori Research Advisor- Dean's Department, University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) | |
Tel +64 3 364 1658 | |
| Karen Chaney – Research Advisor – University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) | |
Tel +64 3 364 1593 | Karen’s role is to provide information, advice and support on research funding and procedures relating to applications & contracts for staff at the University of Otago, Christchurch |
| Jacqui Birchall – Research Administrator - University of Otago, Christchurch (UOC) | |
| Tel +64 3 364 0237 Email research.uoc@otago.ac.nz | Jacqui's role is to provide administrative support to the University of Otago, Christchurch Research and Enterprise Office |
University of Otago, Wellington
Location
Research and Enterprise Office
C34 Level C, School of Medicine & Health Sciences
University of Otago, Wellington
23a Mein Street
Newtown
Wellington 6242
Postal Address
Research and Enterprise Office
School of Medicine & Health Sciences
University of Otago, Wellington
PO Box 7343
Wellington 6242
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Fax +64 4 385 5596
| Christine Groves - Research Advisor - UOW | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tel +64 4 918 6855 Email christine.groves@otago.ac.nz Mobile +64 21 279 5541 | Christine's role is to provide high-quality, professional research proposal support to researchers in the Health Sciences relating to applications & contracts for staff at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington. UOW Summer Studentship Programme Administrator. | |
| Kate Sloane - Research Advisor - UOW | ||
| Tel +64 4 918 6252 Email kate.sloane@otago.ac.nz | Kate has a BCA in Public Policy and Commercial Law from Victoria University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Otago. Kate also holds the PRINCE2 project management qualification. Kate joined the Research and Enterprise team in February 2016 to support researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington Campus on all aspects of developing research proposals and managing research contracts. Kate is also the Research Manager for the Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness Programme (BODE³) and has been at the University of Otago, Wellington since July 2008. |  |
| Tina Uiese - Research Administrator - UOW | ||
| Tel +64 4 918 6552 Email tina.uiese@otago.ac.nz | Tina is responsible for managing enquires and administration support to the Research Advisor and is also the administrator for the Summer Studentship Programme. | |
