Ngā mihi nui to Otago ecologist Professor Priscilla Wehi, who has been made a fellow of the British Ecological Society.
Read more⬇️
Otago ecologist made a Fellow of the British Ecological Society
Otago ecologist Professor Priscilla (Cilla) Wehi says it is an honour to be made a Fellow of the British Ecological Society (BES), which she joined in because she wanted to meet “open and curious folk...
OPINION: Until recently, Aotearoa New Zealand led global tobacco control innovation. Evidence-based policies, including sustained tobacco excise tax increases, saw large reductions in smoking rates, which will save thousands of lives.
Read more⬇️
Ending duty-free tobacco sales would be good for health – and health budgets
Taxes raise prices, and higher prices reduce smoking. But duty-free tobacco sales remain a policy anomaly and deny the government much-needed health revenue.
OPINION: Imagine investing in a premium Central Otago vineyard, or owning a slice of prime Wellington commercial property, all without needing millions in upfront capital.
Through asset “tokenisation”, this is becoming a reality.
Read more⬇️
Digital ‘tokenisation’ is reshaping the global financial industry. Is NZ ready?
Tokenisation works by converting real assets into tradeable digital tokens. But New Zealand’s regulatory uncertainty risks investment billions migrating offshore.
OPINION: Beneath Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf lies one of the least measured oceans on Earth – a vast, dark cavity roughly twice the volume of the North Sea.
Read more⬇️
Beneath Antarctica’s largest ice shelf, a hidden ocean is revealing its secrets
A four-year record from the heart of the Ross Ice Shelf shows how subtle changes could shape future sea level rise, ocean ecosystems – and even our weather.
Otago nutritionist call for dietary fibre to be officially recognised internationally as an essential nutrient🥦🤔
Co-author Associate Professor Andrew Reynolds says increasing our dietary fibre intake would have greater health benefits than increasing any other essential nutrients.
Read more⬇️
Otago experts propose fibre as first new essential nutrient in 50 years
University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka nutrition experts are calling for dietary fibre to be officially recognised internationally as an essential nutrient - the first ‘new’ essential nutrient in ...
OPINION: Did NZ's sweeping health reforms deliver on their promise? 3 years on, the verdict is mixed⬇️
Did NZ’s sweeping health reforms deliver on their promise? 3 years on, the verdict is mixed
2022’s once-in-a-generation health reset improved much about the system – yet everyday access to primary care has become harder for many New Zealanders.
[Not loaded yet]
University of Otago will be entering a 10-year partnership to improve brain health research and treatment🧠🧐
Department of Anatomy Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie, who is co-leading the initiative, says neurological and mental health disorders are leading causes of disability and mortality globally⬇️
Partnership a powerful opportunity to improve lives
The strength of brain research in New Zealand, and at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka in particular, will be highlighted thanks to an international partnership with a global mission.
Anatomy tauira Shontay Simpson and Esmé Hewitt have won awards at the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Symposium.
Shontay was "shocked" to win best poster presentation.
"I was still so excited that Esmé had been called out as best oral presenter that my brain went blank..."⬇️
University links with leading forensic science experts pay off
Two budding forensic scientists in the making at Otago have been internationally recognised.
The New Zealand velvet worm's reign as Bug of the Year is coming to an end, with voting now open for the 2026 competition🪲
Check out this year's nominees in an article from Otago Zoology PhD Candidate Connal McLean and Ecology PhD Candidate Jacqueline Theis⬇️
Are you a hellraiser mite or a knobbled weevil? Take the quiz and vote for NZ’s Bug of the Year
Take the personality quiz to match with one of NZ’s larger-than-life little creatures, then cast your vote.
[Not loaded yet]
NZ is facing a moment of reckoning in its foreign policy, writes Professor Robert Patman in The Conversation:
theconversation.com/as-trump-rew...
As Trump rewrites the rules in Venezuela, NZ faces a foreign policy reckoning
The US intervention in Venezuela makes it clear NZ’s ‘softly softly’ foreign policy isn’t a feasible long-term response to a shifting world order.
Huge congratulations to Otago's Professor Christopher Jackson, who has been named one of OncoDaily’s 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in the world for 2025. Christopher is a leading medical oncologist and cancer policy expert and a strong advocate for evidence-based, humane cancer care.
Since graduating with First Class Honours in French and Economics from Otago, Amanda Ellis's career has taken her worldwide ✈️🌎
Now a globally-recognised leader in sustainable development and international relations, Amanda shared her success story with us on Otago's iOU Podcast!
Listen here 🎧⬇️
Sustainable development and women’s empowerment leader Amanda Ellis on her high-flying career | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
Since graduating with First Class Honours in French and Economics from Otago, Amanda Ellis has travelled the world in high flying roles in government, industry and education. She describes herself as ...
Older New Zealanders in residential care have inadequate access to vision and hearing tests, new Otago research has found.
These findings highlight significant inequities in access to care that can profoundly impact quality of life, lead author Dr Francesc March de Ribot says.
Hearing and vision tests drop in residential care – research
Older New Zealanders in residential care have inadequate access to vision and hearing tests, according to new University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka research.
Three Otago researchers have each received $1.16 million fellowships to support their research and science careers!🔬👏
Dr Matthias Fellner, Dr John Kerr, and Associate Professor Matthew McNeil are among 12 researches who have been awarded Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowships🥳
Read more here👇
Fellowships for Otago researchers
Three University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have each received $1.16 million fellowships to support their research and scientific careers.
Blocking reproduction increases lifespan in many different species, a new Otago-led study has found 🤯
Using data from mammals, researchers found ongoing hormonal contraception and permanent surgical sterilisation saw increased life expectancy, though the cause may differ between sexes.
Contraception and castration linked to longer lifespan
Blocking reproduction increases lifespan in both males and females of many different species, a new international University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study has found.
A huge congratulations to the 32 Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka kaimahi taking on the title of Professor in 2026! 🎉👏
These promotions reflect each individual's outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and service to the University and Ōtepoti community as a whole.
Read the full list ⬇️
Otago announces 32 new professors
Twenty-six University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka academics are being promoted to the position of Professor, with a further six promoted to the positions of Research Professor and Clinical Researc...
OPINION: 8 reasons the government should not introduce oral nicotine pouches to NZ ⬇️
Professor Ceridwen Fraser has crafted a very special addition to the Department of Marine Science's new digs 🤩
She's created this beautiful stained glass piece celebrating Otago's unique marine life, now on display in the foyer of the Geology Museum in the Quad building 🌊🦭
📸 Gerard O'Brien
Early detection of prostate cancer could soon be simplified, thanks to an initiative led by Dr Jim Smith (Te Ātiawa) 👏
He has received funding to create a targeted DNA methylation-based blood test, which he hopes will lead to earlier detection, accurate diagnoses, and improved patient outcomes.
Project to improve prostate cancer detection
Early detection of prostate cancer could soon be simplified, thanks to a University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka project.
Science says your skin loves vitamin C🍊
New research from Otago shows a strong link between diet and skin health. Eating foods high in vitamin C every day (such as two SunGold kiwifruit) can boost collagen, skin thickness and cell renewal in just eight weeks.
Read more here⬇️
Vitamin C from food boosts collagen levels in skin – landmark study
A breakthrough study from researchers at the University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine – Christchurch Ōtautahi, has found that collagen production and skin renewal directly respond to the amount of vit...
Can you treat disease without medication or surgery?🤔
Otago researchers are pioneering non-invasive ways to treat the brain and body.
From smart patches to sound waves that target the brain, these breakthroughs could transform care across Aotearoa.🩻
Read more here⬇️
Otago scientists pioneer non-invasive treatments for the brain and body
It’s a challenge that’s stymied medical researchers for more than a century: how to treat disorders without invasive procedures or the drawbacks of drugs.
OPINION: A global tax crackdown is coming for crypto – including NZ trades worth billions ⬇️
Aotearoa's green-lipped mussels are under pressure from warming seas, toxic blooms and disease - but Otago scientists are fighting back.🌊
Dr Nathan Kenny's team has built the first high-quality kuku genome, helping us breed resilience into these this treasured taonga.💚
Read more here⬇️
Mussel power: Decoding DNA to help sustain a threatened taonga
Facing climate change pressures from warming seas to toxic blooms, Aotearoa New Zealand’s half-billion-dollar mussel industry and cherished taonga are under threat. Dr Nathan Kenny's team is now…
Associate Professor Nic Rawlence has been awarded the New Zealand Association of Scientists’ prestigious Cranwell Medal for his exceptional mahi communicating the wonders of science with the public 🏅👏
“I feel humbled and on cloud nine at the same time,” he says. Read more here ⬇️
Prestigious medal for science communicator
From public speaking to job interviews, stress is a part of everyday life that can feel all too familiar 😵💫🧠
Find out how the cutting-edge research of Faculty of Biomedical Sciences kaimahi Dr Joon Kim and Associate Professor Karl Iremonger could impact how we manage stress ⬇️
Meet the Otago scientists unlocking the secrets of stress
Humans evolved a stress response to cope with imminent threats. But in the modern world, that same system can lead to chronic anxiety and depression.
Next year, we will welcome Scottish writer Donald S Murray to Ōtepoti for an exciting fellowship 🏴✈️✍️
Donald is thrilled and honoured to be awarded the 2026 Scottish Writing Fellowship with Mātai Airana, Mātai Kotirana, in conjunction with the Caselberg Trust! 👏
Scottish writer an exciting appointment for Otago Fellowship
Scottish writer Donald S Murray says he is thrilled and honoured to be awarded a fellowship in Dunedin next year.
The 'Dirty Ashtray' award draws attention to Aotearoa's significant fall from grace in tobacco regulations, Otago researchers say 🚭
“New Zealand was once a leader in global tobacco control policy. Now, our national shame is playing out on an international stage," Professor Janet Hoek says.
Global meeting awards Aotearoa New Zealand ‘Dirty Ashtray’ award
Last night’s award of a ‘Dirty Ashtray’, a civil society award, to the New Zealand Government shows Aotearoa is now attracting international attention for all the wrong reasons, tobacco control resear...
Four Otago researchers have been recognised at the 2025 BLAKE awards for their leadership in science and conservation.🌿✨
Sir Alan Mark received the BLAKE Medal, with Liz Slooten, Steve Dawson and Sally Carson also honoured.
A huge achievement for our environmental champions.
Read more here⬇️
Eminent Otago scientists receive BLAKE awards
Emeritus Professor Sir Alan Mark has been awarded the 2025 BLAKE Medal, alongside three other Otago researchers who received BLAKE Leader awards for their outstanding contributions to environmental le...
What was everyday life really like in the Otago goldrush?⛏️
Dr Ruth Warren and Dr Charlotte King from the Department of Anatomy have gained international recognition for a schools programme that brings those stories to life.👏
Read more here⬇️
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences research team strikes gold
What was everyday life really like in the Otago goldrush?
Otago Christchurch researchers have secured $1.5m in funding from the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation to tackle major health challenges such as cures for cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and mental health.
It is the largest investment in grant funding made by the CMRF ever!⬇️
Success for UOC researchers in Canterbury Medical Research Foundation Grants
University of Otago, Christchurch Ōtautahi researchers investigating cures for cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and mental health have been awarded more than NZ$1 million dollars in g...
An Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study has produced a detailed blueprint of a bacteriophage, furthering their "extremely exciting" potential in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria 🦠
Read more here ⬇️
Study reveals potential and beauty of the world unseen
A University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study has produced a detailed blueprint of a bacteriophage, furthering their potential in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
Two Otago studies examining the experience of imprisoned and recently released Māori have led researchers to believe the Government is breaching their rights. They found Māori were consistently undercounted while in prison, and had unmet needs in primary care services after release. Read more here ⬇️
Studies call for state accountability for state harms
University of Otago, Wellington – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke researchers believe the Government is breaching the rights of imprisoned and recently released Māori.
Weeks at sea, thousands of samples, and one burning question: what really happened inside the Hunga eruption?🌋
Two Otago researchers joined an international voyage to uncover the clues buried in the seafloor.
Their work could help decode one of the most powerful eruptions in modern history!⬇️
Life at sea: Researching a volcanic eruption
Two Otago researchers have recently returned to shore after spending weeks at sea exploring the aftermath of a devastating volcanic eruption.
The 17th Otago Global Health Institute conference will explore ‘Global health in challenging times’, bringing researchers, students, and health practitioners together to address topics spanning from pandemics to climate change 🏥☀️
Read more here ⬇️
Conference will explore global health in challenging times
‘Global health in challenging times’ is the theme of the 17th Otago Global Health Institute (OGHI) conference, that will run from 25-26 November 2025 at Te Kura Pakihi Otago Business School.
OPINION: Detection is not prevention: will drug testing drivers really make NZ roads safer? ⬇️
Detection is not prevention: will drug testing drivers really make NZ roads safer?
Police will soon be able to orally test drivers for four drugs. But impairment from prescription medications is far more common and remains largely self-policed.
Otago has joined forces with Ngāti Hine Health Trust, one of the largest Māori health providers in Aotearoa, to address and improve persistent inequities in diabetes care for Māori ❤️🩹
Read more here ⬇️
Groundbreaking partnership to tackle diabetes inequities
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has joined forces with Ngāti Hine Health Trust, one of the largest Māori health providers in Aotearoa, to improve diabetes care for Māori.
Dr Mariela de Amstalden has been appointed as a full professor to the New Zealand Law Foundation Chair in Emerging Technologies!
She will have a key role in delivering innovative solutions to the legal and policy issues shaping our technological future.
Read more about her appointment ⬇️👏
New Law Foundation Chair in Emerging Technologies for Otago
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Mariela de Amstalden as a full professor to the New Zealand Law Foundation Chair in Emerging Technologies.
A growing global presence for Aotearoa's largest university-based herbarium 🌱🌏
In an exciting development for botanists worldwide, digital records for almost 23,000 specimens in the Otago Regional Herbarium are now available through the Australasian Virtual Herbarium network!
Read more here ⬇️
Botany collections growing global audience
Details of the botanical treasures of the Otago Regional Herbarium, located in the Department of Botany, are now available to the scientific world with a new digital presence on an Australasian networ...
Psychology Professor Cliff Abraham and PhD candidate Helena Abolins-Thompson (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a rua) received Royal Society Te Apārangi awards last night 👏
Find out more about their honours 👇
Royal Society honours Otago researchers
Two University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers, at either end of their careers, have received Royal Society Te Apārangi awards for their work.
Otago's Law community has struck gold once again, with 4 alumni and staff receiving Borrin Foundation awards 💪⚖️
Read about the recipients 👇
Fellowships for alumni and staff reflect strength of Otago Law community
Congratulations to the four Otago alumni and staff who have been awarded Borrin Foundation Fellowships, and Travel and Learning Awards.
A new species of fossil billfish has been named Zealandorhynchus fordycei, honouring the legacy of the late Emeritus Professor Ewan Fordyce ❤️🩹
The species is one of two rare fossil billfish skulls from about 50 million years ago found in Otago.
Read more here 🔗
www.otago.ac.nz/about/news/n...A mana-enhancing research project in Te Tari Mātauranga Matū – the Department of Chemistry has received support from an Otago Research Grant 🧑🔬
The project will use Māori methodologies to determine how tauira and kaimahi experience undergraduate chemistry education at Otago.
Read more here ⬇️
Creating Te Tiriti partnerships in Mātai matū – Chemistry
A mana-enhancing approach to better understand Māori students’ learning journeys in Chemistry has received support from a University of Otago Research Grant.
Meet two Otago kaimahi working at the forefront of rare genetic disease research: Professor Stephanie Hughes and Associate Professor Louise Bicknell 🧬🌟
A revolution in genetic sequencing technology is helping them bring answers to families facing ultra-rare disorders.
Read more here⬇️
DNA detectives: the Otago scientists decoding ultra-rare genetic disorders
A global revolution in genetic sequencing is helping University of Otago scientists solve the mysteries of ultra-rare disorders, for one family at a time.
We're kicking off the second series of our alumni podcast iOU by catching up with Lynley Edmeades! 🎙️🎓
Lynley talks to us about the many hats she wears, her student days at Otago, and her new book 'Hiding Places'.
Check it out 👉
Editor, author, mother, lecturer – Lynley Edmeades shares her stories | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
It’s been a busy year for Lynley Edmeades – Lynley is an author, an English lecturer at Otago, and editor of Aotearoa’s longest running arts and literary journal Landfall Tauraka. She is also the coor...
Otago researchers, including students and alumni, left the recent international Adaptation Futures Conference feeling inspired💡✅
The climate change adaptation conference brought together nearly 2,000 practitioners to collaborate towards a more sustainable future. Read more here⬇️
International Adaptation Futures Conference inspires Otago researchers
Otago researchers recently attended the international Adaptation Futures Conference as the flagship event of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme.
Eight research Centres have secured funding in the latest University of Otago Research Centre funding round👏
Each will receive a total of $200,000 to boost research in health, climate, culture, and more.
Read more about the winning Centres here⬇️
Re-established Research Centre funding welcome in ‘grim’ environment
Research centres are celebrating securing money from the recent Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago Research Centre funding round.
Today, 7 November, is Infant Protection Day 💜 Otago kaimahi Dr Lisa Kremer (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, and Waitaha) and Dr Amber Young (Taranaki Iwi), based in the School of Pharmacy, keep this kaupapa at the centre of their mahi year-round.
Read more about their research in pēpi protection 👇
Prioritising pēpi protection
With research in infant medications and maternal vaccinations, both Lisa and Amber are motivated by the belief that infants deserve a high standard of healthcare so they might grow and thrive.
Dr Zac McIvor has been awarded an Otago Research Grant to continue a community-based archaeological collaboration with mana whenua of Aotea Harbour, Waikato 👏 The project explores their archaeological past to inform the present and prepare for the future.
Read more here ⬇️
Partnership project in Aotea Harbour, Waikato receives Otago Research Grant
Dr Zac McIvor, with the Archaeology Programme at Otago, has received a University of Otago Research Grant (UORG) to continue a collaboration between mana whenua of Aotea Harbour, Waikato on their comm...
Otago-led research has found that in the event of a trade-ending global catastrophe, Aotearoa is at risk of losing access to life-saving medicines due to reliance on imported ingredients – but researchers have suggested approaches that may mitigate this.
Read more here ⬇️
NZ faces medicines shortage if global trade cut off, researchers find
New Zealanders could lose access to life-saving medicines in a trade-ending global catastrophe because imported ingredients are needed to locally manufacture commonly used medicines, research led by t...
Aotearoa’s progress in reducing smoking has slowed among Māori, Pacific and European rangatahi, and vaping could be the reason, an international research collaboration has found 🚭
Senior author Associate Professor Andrew Waa says urgent action is needed.
Read more here ⬇️
Vaping contributing to higher rates of smoking in Māori and Pacific youth
Aotearoa’s progress in reducing smoking has slowed for Māori, Pacific and European adolescents, and vaping could be the reason, according to research published today in The Lancet Regional Health – We...
