University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka
@universityofotago.bsky.social
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 ⬇️
“I feel humbled and on cloud nine at the same time,” he says. Read more here ⬇️
Prestigious medal for science communicator
www.otago.ac.nz
November 26, 2025 at 4:38 AM
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 ⬇️
“I feel humbled and on cloud nine at the same time,” he says. Read more here ⬇️
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 ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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 ⬇️
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 ⬇️
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! 👏
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 21, 2025 at 3:17 AM
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! 👏
Donald is thrilled and honoured to be awarded the 2026 Scottish Writing Fellowship with Mātai Airana, Mātai Kotirana, in conjunction with the Caselberg Trust! 👏
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.
“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...
www.otago.ac.nz
November 20, 2025 at 12:52 AM
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.
“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.
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⬇️
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...
www.otago.ac.nz
November 19, 2025 at 1:29 AM
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⬇️
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⬇️
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⬇️
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?
www.otago.ac.nz
November 18, 2025 at 2:56 AM
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⬇️
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⬇️
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!⬇️
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...
www.otago.ac.nz
November 18, 2025 at 12:41 AM
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!⬇️
It is the largest investment in grant funding made by the CMRF ever!⬇️
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 ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 17, 2025 at 8:13 PM
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 ⬇️
Read more here ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 17, 2025 at 3:52 AM
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 ⬇️
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!⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 17, 2025 at 3:02 AM
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!⬇️
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!⬇️
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 ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 17, 2025 at 2:59 AM
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 ⬇️
Read more here ⬇️
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.
theconversation.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:47 AM
OPINION: Detection is not prevention: will drug testing drivers really make NZ roads safer? ⬇️
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 ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 14, 2025 at 12:11 AM
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 ⬇️
Read more here ⬇️
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 ⬇️👏
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 13, 2025 at 5:58 AM
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 ⬇️👏
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 ⬇️👏
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 ⬇️
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...
www.otago.ac.nz
November 13, 2025 at 3:06 AM
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 ⬇️
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 ⬇️
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 👇
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 12, 2025 at 6:56 AM
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 👇
Find out more about their honours 👇
Otago's Law community has struck gold once again, with 4 alumni and staff receiving Borrin Foundation awards 💪⚖️
Read about the recipients 👇
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Otago's Law community has struck gold once again, with 4 alumni and staff receiving Borrin Foundation awards 💪⚖️
Read about the recipients 👇
Read about the recipients 👇
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...
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...
November 11, 2025 at 3:51 AM
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...
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 ⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 11, 2025 at 1:38 AM
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 ⬇️
The project will use Māori methodologies to determine how tauira and kaimahi experience undergraduate chemistry education at Otago.
Read more here ⬇️
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⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 10, 2025 at 3:12 AM
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⬇️
A revolution in genetic sequencing technology is helping them bring answers to families facing ultra-rare disorders.
Read more here⬇️
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 👉
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...
rss.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:49 PM
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 👉
Lynley talks to us about the many hats she wears, her student days at Otago, and her new book 'Hiding Places'.
Check it out 👉
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⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 8, 2025 at 12:43 AM
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⬇️
The climate change adaptation conference brought together nearly 2,000 practitioners to collaborate towards a more sustainable future. Read more here⬇️
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⬇️
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 7, 2025 at 10:22 PM
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⬇️
Each will receive a total of $200,000 to boost research in health, climate, culture, and more.
Read more about the winning Centres here⬇️
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 👇
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.
www.otago.ac.nz
November 7, 2025 at 6:54 AM
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 👇
Read more about their research in pēpi protection 👇
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 ⬇️
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...
www.otago.ac.nz
November 7, 2025 at 2:53 AM
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 ⬇️
Read more here ⬇️