2009
The Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago
The University of Otago is a research-intensive University and the Division of Health Sciences has the highest overall annual research income within the University (>NZ$64M pa).
Health Sciences has three vibrant campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington) and comprises of the following Schools and Faculties:
We strongly value our postgraduate students (over 1000 in 2009), most of whom undertake research degrees – PhD and Masters – and work with top-class supervisors. Our students consistently win prizes at the MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year awards and are sought after for future employment opportunities.
Postgraduate study in Genetics
Otago was ranked number one in research in the New Zealand Performance Based Research Fund 2006 review in the subject areas Biomedical, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry and Other Health Research, and the Otago School of Pharmacy was the highest ranked pharmacy school in New Zealand.
The University of Otago has established 13 Research Themes and 14 Research Centres for which the University is pre-eminent and to which it gives particular recognition and support. Researchers within the Division of Health Sciences are leaders of 9 of the Research Themes and 9 of the Research Centres.
Professor Mark Richards, Director, Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group
Health Sciences has extensive research support services including state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, training opportunities, and staff expertise.
Flow Cytometry Facility
Further information about research activities and highlights can be found in the Division’s Research Report and Research Expertise.
Recent Research Stories from Otago
Health research to benefit New Zealanders receives major support
A wide range of world-class University of Otago research aimed at improving New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing has received major support in the Health Research Council’s (HRC) latest annual funding round.
The $30.3m gained goes towards 25 health research programmes and projects at the University, ranging from investigations of basic biomedical mechanisms involved in cancer and other diseases to community-level interventions aimed at making homes healthier and tackling childhood obesity.
New Genetics Centre established
A new centre dedicated to promoting and supporting genetics research at the University of Otago has been formed.
Genetics Otago Director Dr Peter Dearden says that the network aims to establish itself as New Zealand’s leading centre for advanced genetics research and teaching.
Spotlight on infectious diseases research efforts
More than 70 researchers from around New Zealand and overseas, representing a wide range of disciplines and research organisations, are taking part in a symposium held by the University’s Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases.
Centre Director Professor Kurt Krause says the gathering is a valuable opportunity for researchers to exchange new ideas and findings in the fight against infectious diseases.
New light shed on male and female brain differences
University of Otago researchers have discovered a new mechanism which contributes to subtle differences between male and female brains and behaviours.
Neurobiologists Associate Professor Ian McLennan and Dr Kyoko Koishi’s findings are published in the prestigious US-based scientific journal, the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).
They found that male mice lacking a hormone called Müllerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) show subtle changes in their brain anatomy, and their behaviour is more akin to female mouse behaviour.
