Elsa wins 2023 photo competition
Thursday 1 June 2023
Otago’s resident “Elsa” embodied the spirit of Disney’s ‘Let it go’, jumping into a freezing lake with wild abandon for the shot that took top prize at the 2023 Bulletin Photo Competition.
Why high school kids are saying ‘yeah, nah’ to alcohol
Thursday 25 May 2023
Striking differences in the way high school students socialise may be one of the reasons behind a dramatic drop in youth drinking over the last 20 years, a study from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found.
Study will measure how much breast milk baby is actually getting
Thursday 25 May 2023
Mothers worry about an exhaustive list of things; University of Otago researchers are hoping to help with one – is my baby getting enough breastmilk?
Ellie-May Jarvis graduates with a PhD and a medical degree
Monday 15 May 2023
Ellie-May Jarvis walked across the graduation stage on 13 May with both a medical degree and a PhD from the University of Otago after completing the University’s demanding MB ChB/PhD Programme.
Photos give men a voice to discuss mental distress
Wednesday 10 May 2023
An innovative research project at the University of Otago, Wellington, is using photography to help men open up about their experiences of living with depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety.
He Kete Kōrero – Autumn 2023
Friday 5 May 2023
Welcome to the Autumn 2023 issue of He Kete Kōrero, with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
Otago scientist wins Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
Thursday 4 May 2023
Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu is the first Pacific scientist to win the 2022 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize.
University of Otago scientist wins Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize
Tuesday 2 May 2023
Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu from the University of Otago has won the 2022 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize.
New guidelines for gender affirming hormone therapy
Monday 1 May 2023
The Primary Care Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Initiation Guidelines are the first of their kind to be developed in New Zealand.
FEATURE: On the ground in Cyclone Gabrielle: trainee interns share their experiences
Tuesday 4 April 2023
When Cyclone Gabrielle hit the North Island in February, trainee interns from the University of Otago, Wellington, on placements in hospitals and general practices in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay were caught up in the worst storm to hit the country in decades.
Pathology Article of the Year
Wednesday 15 March 2023
Professor Brett Delahunt has won the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia’s Article of the Year award for 2022.
Cloak of protection against infectious diseases needed for schools
Friday 10 March 2023
A group of health and education experts have published seven key goals in a mission to protect schools from COVID‑19 and other infectious disease outbreaks.
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.
University of Otago welcomes new voice for public health
Tuesday 14 February 2023
A new centre hosted by the University of Otago will boost the reach and impact of public health research, says its inaugural Director Professor Michael Baker.
Professor Sheila Skeaff wins OUSA Supervisor of the Year Award
Monday 13 February 2023
When Nan Xin Wang arrived in Dunedin to start her PhD studies in the Department of Human Nutrition, Professor Sheila Skeaff immediately made a very deep impression on her.
Wellington summer student showcase
Wednesday 8 February 2023
After a summer investigating a diverse range of research topics, 24 students presented their work at the summer studentship poster showcase and competition on the Wellington campus at the end of January.
NZ one of few island nations with potential to produce enough food in a nuclear winter
Tuesday 7 February 2023
New Zealand is one of only a few island nations that could continue to produce enough food to feed its population in a nuclear winter, researchers have found.
Locating for recovery: acute mental health units remain in the shadows
Thursday 2 February 2023
Acute mental health care units remain in the shadows, neither fully integrated into general hospitals nor part of the community, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, say.
Honour recognises advocacy for equity, social justice and anti-racism
Monday 23 January 2023
Taking Otago’s distance-learning Certificate in Health Promotion in 1996 helped create the foundations of a career in public health for Dr Heather Came-Friar, who was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori, education and health in the New Year Honours.
Funding to assist with story-telling approach to opioid tapering
Friday 13 January 2023
A University of Otago researcher hopes whānau-focused storytelling could help support people taper off potentially harmful opioids prescribed for chronic pain.
Focusing on LGBTIQ+ homelessness
Friday 6 January 2023
As a young campaigner on social justice and LGBTIQ+ rights, Dr Brodie Fraser has found working as a researcher in the Department of Public Health a perfect mix of their academic and activist interests.
Communities set to benefit from Indigenous-led international grant with rangatiratanga at heart
Wednesday 21 December 2022
The opportunity to develop Māori-led programmes for pēpi, tamariki and whānau wellbeing and intergenerational playspaces centred on tikanga and te ao Māori has been described as “breath-taking” and a privilege by those involved.
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.
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.
Study highlights need for primary care funding overhaul
Friday 16 December 2022
A new study shows the disparity of patient need across general practices and backs calls for a complete overhaul of the front-line health care funding system.
Otago announces 39 new professors
Friday 16 December 2022
Thirty-nine University of Otago academics are being promoted to the position of professor this year.
He Kete Kōrero – Summer 2022
Thursday 15 December 2022
Welcome to the Summer 2022 issue of He Kete Kōrero, with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
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.
New smokefree policy will improve Aotearoa health: Otago experts
Wednesday 14 December 2022
University of Otago experts welcome a new smokefree legislation which they say will bring profound health benefits to Aotearoa.
Improving Māori health the driving force for graduating doctor
Wednesday 7 December 2022
When Selwyn Te Paa decided to study medicine, he was clear he wanted to improve health outcomes for Māori.
2 Years and 363 days: 2 babies; 2 COVID-19 Level 4 lockdowns and a PhD
Wednesday 7 December 2022
Otago PhD graduate Carla Strubbia finished her PhD with two days to spare, accomplishing her goal of finishing within three years all while becoming a parent of two, settling in a new country and dealing with a global pandemic.
Otago researchers set to tackle health issues with Career Development Awards
Monday 28 November 2022
From a global health crisis to Aotearoa’s health inequity – University of Otago projects awarded Health Research Council funding will benefit those at home and around the world.
$3.8 million to Otago researchers in Career Development Awards
Monday 28 November 2022
The Health Research Council has awarded 19 Otago researchers almost $3.8 million in Career Development Awards.
Two more prestigious awards for Otago researchers
Wednesday 23 November 2022
Two of the University of Otago’s leading researchers have been honoured for their huge contribution to science with Royal Society Te Apārangi medals.
Wellington PhD candidate wins international 3MT competition
Wednesday 23 November 2022
Wellington PhD candidate Yasmin Nouri has won first place in the international Matariki Network Three Minute Thesis competition 2022 virtual final.
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.
New Deputy Dean for Wellington campus
Tuesday 1 November 2022
Associate Professor Lynn McBain has been appointed Deputy Dean of the Wellington campus.
Local councils inadequately fluoridating water over past 30 years, researchers find
Friday 28 October 2022
Local councils have only achieved fluoride targets for drinking water 54 per cent of the time over the last 30 years, researchers from the University of Otago and the University of Canterbury have found.
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.
Call to end harmful marketing after study reveals children’s exposure
Thursday 6 October 2022
An end to outdoor marketing of gambling, alcohol and junk food is urgently needed to protect children from harm, according to new University of Otago-led research.
Greater proportion of public housing in communities supports tenant health, researchers find
Tuesday 4 October 2022
Arbitrarily limiting the proportion of public housing in new housing developments curtails the amount of public housing available without providing any health benefits for tenants, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have found.
The PhD graduate keeping an eye on the mozzies
Tuesday 4 October 2022
Conducting surveillance on mosquitoes has been all part of the journey for PhD graduate Dr Sherif Ammar.
October 2022 Digital Calendar
Thursday 29 September 2022
This October Digital Calendar photo was taken by Roan Vasdev.
Government urged to start official inquiry into pandemic response
Thursday 22 September 2022
Leading University of Otago academics are calling for the launch of an official inquiry into New Zealand’s COVID‑19 pandemic response while memories are clear and lessons can be learnt.
Government urged to start official inquiry into pandemic response
Thursday 22 September 2022
Leading University of Otago academics are calling for the launch of an official inquiry into New Zealand’s COVID-19 pandemic response while memories are clear and lessons can be learnt.
He Kete Kōrero – Spring 2022
Friday 9 September 2022
Welcome to the Spring 2022 edition of He Kete Kōrero with the latest news from the Wellington campus.
$14.5 million funding boost for Otago research
Friday 9 September 2022
Otago research has been given a $14.5 million boost with the announcement of two funding rounds this week.
'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.
$14.5 million funding boost for Otago research
Friday 9 September 2022
Otago research has been given a $14.5 million boost with the announcement of two funding rounds this week.
Respiratory diseases lower in homes with retrofitted insulation
Wednesday 7 September 2022
Retrofitting home insulation can reduce the onset of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma by up to 10 per cent, new University of Otago research shows.
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
Unique double honour for Pathology Professor
Wednesday 31 August 2022
Professor Brett Delahunt ONZM KStJ FRSNZ, from the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, has been awarded the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia’s (RCPA) Silver Medal, the only person in the history of the College to receive both Gold and Silver Medals.
2022 Online information evenings | Postgraduate Health Sciences
Sunday 28 August 2022
We invite you to join us for a series of online events which outline opportunities for postgraduate study in the following health sciences programmes through the University of Otago.
Otago kaimahi and tauira recognised with Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa awards
Tuesday 16 August 2022
Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa - Māori Medical Practitioners Association’s (Te ORA) membership have gathered online to celebrate the significant achievements of tākuta Māori (Maori doctors) and Māori medical students.
O-PAW improving parity, increasing communication, fostering community
Monday 15 August 2022
The Otago University Postgraduate Association of Wellington is working hard to improve parity for students, improve communication and foster a sense of community.
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.
What does poverty look like from a child’s perspective?
Friday 5 August 2022
New research has revealed the “shameful” extent of child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Health Delivery Research Activation Grant recipients
Thursday 4 August 2022
Three Otago researchers have received Health Delivery Research Activation Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Master’s degree brings personal and professional rewards
Wednesday 3 August 2022
A supportive family and the knowledge that her research would be of value helped Gill Stotter (65) overcome the challenges of returning to academic study later in life while working as a practising physiotherapist and running her own practice in Wellington.
‘Amazing staff’ help navigate tough times
Thursday 28 July 2022
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Murdoch says the University of Otago is in robust shape as it negotiates internal change and external pressures.
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.
Nominations open for the 20Twenties Young Alumni Awards
Tuesday 26 July 2022
Help us celebrate the achievements of Otago’s youngest alumni by nominating graduates from your department or communities for our 20Twenties Young Alumni Awards.
Better outcomes when police, ambulance and mental health services attend 111 mental health emergencies together
Wednesday 20 July 2022
Having emergency services work together to attend mental health emergencies reduces the likelihood of the person in crisis ending up in hospital, a University of Otago study has found.
Maple Goh - Scholarship winner, refugee advocate, violinist and podcast founder
Tuesday 19 July 2022
Otago medical alumna Maple Goh has received a prestigious William Georgetti Scholarship and will be travelling to the United States in the fall term to take up her studies at Harvard University.
Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor formally welcomed
Thursday 14 July 2022
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Murdoch and Chancellor Stephen Higgs were formally welcomed at a pōwhiri at Ōtākou Marae and a ceremony on the Dunedin campus.
University's 2022 creative writing competition opens
Tuesday 12 July 2022
The University’s annual creative writing competition for students and staff is open – and this year for the first time also welcomes entries from alumni.
World-first studies point way to preventing rheumatic fever in Aotearoa and internationally
Wednesday 6 July 2022
University of Otago-led research has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk factor for acute rheumatic fever and streptococcal infections of the skin.
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.
More income support needed for young people experiencing homelessness, study finds
Thursday 30 June 2022
Life improved for young people experiencing homelessness once they were housed through the Government’s Housing First programme, with fewer admissions to hospital and visits to emergency departments, although their incomes remained stubbornly low, research has found.
Positive reintegration of ex-prisoners’ focus of HRC grant project
Thursday 30 June 2022
Improving the health and wellbeing of Māori who re-enter society from prisons, alongside their whānau and communities, is the aim of a University of Otago project which received Health Research Council of New Zealand funding today.
Otago researchers receive significant HRC funding
Thursday 30 June 2022
Twenty-two Otago researchers have received a share of nearly $34 million in Health Research Council of New Zealand funding.
University gathers to celebrate Matariki
Wednesday 22 June 2022
A warm atmosphere bubbling with life kept the midwinter chill at bay as the University held its first Matariki Night Market.
Cycleways and walking paths boost rates of active travel
Tuesday 21 June 2022
Investing in cycleways and walking paths has boosted the use of active travel in two North Island cities, particularly by Māori and people on low incomes, researchers have found.
Think outside the box on housing for sustainable future, researchers urge
Wednesday 15 June 2022
New Zealand urgently needs to increase the diversity and quality of its housing stock if it is to meet its goal of reducing the country’s carbon emissions by 2030 and meet the needs of our diverse population, researchers at the University of Otago say.
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.
Alumni recognised in Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours
Wednesday 8 June 2022
University of Otago alumni have been recognised for ground-breaking and inspirational service and commitment to a diverse range of communities, interests and professions in the Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours 2022.
