News archive

14 Jul 2022

Virtual Reality App trial shown to reduce common phobias

Results from a University of Otago, Christchurch trial suggest fresh hope for the estimated one-in-twelve people worldwi...

30 Jun 2022

Positive reintegration of ex-prisoners’ focus of HRC grant project

Improving the health and wellbeing of Māori who re-enter society from prisons, alongside their whānau and communities, i...

29 Jun 2022

“Quake brain” effects suffered by resilient Cantabrians fade over time – study

New University of Otago research suggests the brain function of otherwise-healthy individuals exposed to event trauma ha...

22 Jun 2022

Christchurch campus redevelopment site blessed

Construction of the University of Otago, Christchurch’s new campus building took an important, symbolic step forward las...

excavation of foundations enco image jpg

14 Jun 2022

If these walls could talk: bricks at Christchurch campus project site tell stories of city’s past

As the University of Otago Christchurch campus redevelopment prepares to rise from the ground, academics in Dunedin are...

10 Jun 2022

Queen’s Birthday honour for esteemed University of Otago researcher and surgeon

Professor Frank Frizelle of the Department of Surgery at the University of Otago, Christchurch, has been awarded an Offi...

08 Jun 2022

Study shows strong link between COVID‑19 and worsening mental health

The past two years have caused widespread disruption, anxiety, loss and grief worldwide – but a new University of Otago,...

31 May 2022

Christchurch High School Student wins major award with help from University of Otago mentors

23 May 2022

University of Otago research trial of lifestyle and cooking programme reaps healthy rewards

A study by the University of Otago, Christchurch has found that every single Pasifika participant in a new Pegasus Healt...

12 May 2022

When medicine and literature meet

Professor Dick Sainsbury has enjoyed a distinguished forty-year career as a consultant physician in geriatric medicine a...

11 May 2022

2022 HRC Explorer Grant winners – Seeking better outcomes for cancer patients

Two University of Otago, Christchurch, researchers have been awarded coveted HRC Explorer Grants for 2022.

10 May 2022

Otago boosts economy by $1.79 billion

The University of Otago contributed $1.79 billion in total value added to the New Zealand economy last year, a new repor...

04 May 2022

Study identifies exact amounts of extra vitamin C for optimal health

If you are carrying a few extra kilos in weight, an extra apple or two per day might make a difference in boosting your...

13 Apr 2022

Call for pipe upgrades after Asbestos found in Christchurch drinking water

A new study concludes ageing underground pipes in many Christchurch suburbs are leaching asbestos fibres into the city’s...

07 Apr 2022

New Name and Status for MIHI – the Department of Māori Indigenous Health Innovation

The seedling has grown into a mighty kahikatea at the University of Otago, Christchurch, with the transition of the Māor...

06 Apr 2022

Study calls for urgent regulation of unhealthy home deliveries

Ordering an online Uber Eats, other food, alcohol or vaping delivery from the comfort of your couch is hugely popular –...

30 Mar 2022

Family donation supports Otago University research on World Bipolar Day

The generosity of a Christchurch family, in memory of a much-loved wife and mother, aims to improve the lives of New Zea...

28 Mar 2022

Study Reveals Link Between Early Menopause and History of Sexual Abuse

A ground-breaking University of Otago, Christchurch, study has found female victims of severe sexual abuse in childhood...

17 Mar 2022

UOC Shares Painting Gifted to Christchurch Muslim Community

The University of Otago, Christchurch, has shared a painting with staff and students – artwork which was gifted by the c...

10 Mar 2022

Otago “singing lecturer” composes waiata promoting COVID‑19 vaccinations

A new waiata has been released to encourage all our whānau to get vaccinated, written by a University of Otago, Christch...

09 Mar 2022

Alcohol Dependence Significantly Increases Suicide Risk – Otago Study

There are calls for changes to New Zealand’s national suicide prevention strategy in light of new research linking harmf...

03 Feb 2022

Professor Vicky Cameron – Chasing Genes and Climbing Mountains

Professor Vicky Cameron has devoted her distinguished University of Otago career to scientific discovery, or, in her own...

02 Dec 2021

He toa takitini: Professor Suzanne Pitama appointed Dean and Head of Christchurch campus

Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) has been appointed the new Dean and Head of Campus of the Univer...

15 Nov 2021

$2.9m HRC funding for Otago

Two Otago researchers have been awarded prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowships in this year’s Health Research Counci...

11 Nov 2021

Fellowship funding will aid Otago researcher to alleviate organ shortage

An Otago researcher is one step closer to 3D-bioprinting functioning organs in a laboratory after being awarded a Ruther...

27 Oct 2021

Compulsory Treatment Orders benefit some mental health patients more than others – study

A ground-breaking University of Otago study could well influence which mental health patients in New Zealand are priorit...

07 Oct 2021

Significant psychological toll from COVID lockdown for people with histories of mental illness – study

New research suggests more priority needs to be given to support the health of New Zealanders struggling with mental ill...

29 Sep 2021

Some common childhood behaviours may lead to anxiety disorders in later life – study

New research from the University of Otago has helped identify which specific child behaviours may raise the likelihood o...

01 Sep 2021

Lockdown “fear” and money worries saw patients miss vital medications – study

The swift move to electronic prescribing during the early months of the first COVID‑19 pandemic saw a number of general...

01 Sep 2021

A call for New Zealanders – reach out to protect the health of the elderly with the move to Level 3

A University of Otago geriatrician and researcher is calling on neighbours and extended family to reach out to support o...

12 Aug 2021

COVID-19 antibodies and heart health, focus of new study

Christchurch researchers are aiming to get a handle on the number of Kiwis exposed to COVID-19 and how long antibodies t...

04 Aug 2021

“Māoritanga” not a factor in becoming homeowner

New research from the University of Otago Christchurch debunks the myth that culture is possibly tied to home ownership.

27 Jul 2021

Otago researchers receive more than $13m in Health Research Council funding

Investigating the impact of diabetes on access to cancer services, improving the health of Māori affected by psychosis,...

09 Jul 2021

Otago tops class for national educational performance

The University of Otago has once again topped the key Government indicators that measure the educational performance of...

01 Jul 2021

New Vice-Chancellor appointed at University of Otago

The University of Otago announced this morning that Professor David Murdoch will be its next Vice-Chancellor.

11 Jun 2021

$1.74 million for Otago feasibility studies

The University of Otago received a total of $1.74 million for projects ranging from anti-inflammatories and physiotherap...

UOC Med School Oxford Terrace image 2021

10 Jun 2021

University of Otago, Christchurch building gets final approval to start work

The University of Otago Council has this week approved final and full funding for a planned $178 million (total project)...

04 Jun 2021

COVID-19 complacency could be costly – Otago experts

Learn lessons from our COVID-19 response, or our health system could suffer the consequences.

31 May 2021

Otago projects receive $1.64m Health Research Council funding

Better outcomes for women suffering from New Zealand’s most common gynaecological cancer and a bioactive toothpaste that...

25 May 2021

Virtual reality used to confront phobias in Christchurch trial

Can virtual reality help treat people with a fear of flying or spiders?

04 May 2021

Video of Professor Tim Woodfield's Inaugural Professorial Lecture

View Professor Tim Woodfield'sInaugural Professorial Lecture video, \

30 Apr 2021

Physical punishment happening less, but still common - study

There is a clear downward trend in the number of parents using physical violence as a punishment in New Zealand, but its...

09 Mar 2021

Outgoing Otago Vice-Chancellor receives Honorary Doctorate

09 Mar 2021

Strong upswing in domestic enrolments at Otago University

Harvested fat treated with special chemistry and a curing light thumbnail

08 Mar 2021

Christchurch doctors develop fat-firming plastic surgery technique

A news item about the Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) research group: Christchurch do...

01 Mar 2021

Research into effective interventions for gender dysphoric teens urgently needed

11 Feb 2021

Kiwi kids consume five unhealthy snacks a day

10 Feb 2021

Otago launches Medical Students’ Elective Inquiry

03 Feb 2021

Eating disorders result in significant financial impact on carers

21 Dec 2020

Otago appoints Acting Vice-Chancellor

08 Dec 2020

Otago announces 26 new Professors

Twenty-six University of Otago academics have been promoted to the position of professor this year.

01 Dec 2020

2020 Bioengineering Showcase goes hybrid

Bioengineering, Showcase, 2020, Hybrid

17 Nov 2020

3D colour scanner invented by Otago Professor to be tested in large-scale international clinical trial

10 Nov 2020

Otago researchers secure $17.5m in Marsden funding

30 Oct 2020

‘Epidemic’ of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among Māori to come under spotlight

A University of Otago researcher has been awarded a grant to undertake vital research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder...

29 Oct 2020

Otago health careers development boosted by $2.7 million

The work of 22 University of Otago researchers has been recognised with Career Development Awards from the Health Resear...

13 Oct 2020

Otago study shows whole fruit vitamin C boosts ‘zest for life’

02 Oct 2020

Breakthrough findings may help prevent heart failure after a heart attack

A breakthrough discovery combining two powerful technologies looks set to help doctors intervene earlier and perhaps pre...

30 Sep 2020

Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Showcase announced

A free hybrid event showcasing the latest achievements in bioengineering and medical technologies.

17 Sep 2020

Christchurch cardiac research group wins University’s premier award

A Christchurch research group whose work has changed the way clinicians around the globe diagnose and treat heart condit...

15 Sep 2020

Otago University medical admission joint statement

15 Sep 2020

Funding success for Otago in 2020 Health Research Council grants

11 Sep 2020

Department of Medicine in the media

Department of Medicine in the media.

26 Aug 2020

World-first study on blood hormone could help reduce cardiovascular deaths

A simple blood test could identify seemingly-healthy people with a high hidden risk of heart disease thanks to a world-f...

20 Aug 2020

Infectious diseases expert awarded University’s highest honour

The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged global co-operation and highlighted the importance of science-based policy in preve...

06 Aug 2020

6 August 2020, Christchurch researchers secure lion’s share of almost $1million in funding

Researchers developing a faster and less painful way of diagnosing Legionnaires’ disease are among the recipients of alm...

03 Aug 2020

NZ’s aged care sector to gain from new cardiovascular research focus

16 Jul 2020

16 July 2020, Research to help inform Māori decisions ahead of cannabis referendum

Rangatahi Māori are more likely to use cannabis or be dependent on it and more likely to be negatively affected by canna...

30 Jun 2020

Otago scientists secure more than $26m for health research

11 Jun 2020

Pūtea Tautoko provides vital support for University of Otago students

Just a few weeks since it was launched, the University of Otago student financial relief fund Pūtea Tautoko has provided...

09 Jun 2020

NZ parents concerned children could catch COVID-19 at school – Otago study

06 Jun 2020

Dunedin and Christchurch Longitudinal Studies give pre–referendum perspective on cannabis

03 Jun 2020

‘Quake brain’ study could give insight into future effects of COVID-19 crisis

‘Quake brain’ is a real phenomenon that impairs people’s memory even years after the shaking stops, a world-leading stud...

29 May 2020

Health of truck drivers and evening TV binge-watchers under Otago researchers’ spotlight

The health and safety of truck drivers and the impacts of evening television binge-watching will come under the spotligh...

15 May 2020

15 May 2020, Public welcomed back to face-to-face Otago University health clinics

New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 2 means many Otago University health clinics will now be open to the public.

15 May 2020

Otago welcomes students back, seeking “collective responsibility”

The University of Otago is delighted to welcome back students to all its campuses and colleges after they played a major...

13 May 2020

Christchurch researchers asking parents what information they need about COVID-19 and children’s health.

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers and paediatricians are launching an urgent study to understand what inform...

11 May 2020

COVID-19 catalyst for significant change in general practice: Otago experts

COVID-19 may well be the catalyst for significant change in how general practice operates in New Zealand in future, acco...

06 May 2020

New Zealanders in international study of COVID-19’s impact on depression and other mood disorders

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers are part of an urgent international effort to understand how isolation and...

28 Apr 2020

COVID-19 vaccine likely 12 to 18 months away Otago expert claims

28 Apr 2020

Sending children back to school: as safe as it’s ever been, doctors say

With a lack of CoVID-19 circulating in our community, fewer other viruses and bacteria than usual, and good systems for...

24 Apr 2020

University of Otago announces Pūtea Tautoko support fund for students

The University of Otago is committing $1.5 million as an initial investment to support Otago students facing financial h...

03 Apr 2020

Less sleep in children who use devices before bed and who choose their own bedtimes

Intermediate school-aged children who use a device just before bedtime and decide what time they go to sleep, achieve le...

23 Mar 2020

University of Otago responds to COVID-19 Alert Level rise

The University of Otago has updated its response, and is accelerating its move to online delivery of teaching following...

24 Feb 2020

Methamphetamine use and its impact on violence laid bare in world-first study

Almost a third of middle-aged New Zealanders have tried methamphetamine at least once, according to a new University of...

24 Feb 2020

New Zealanders need to work together in preparation for likely coronavirus pandemic, Otago expert says.

The likelihood of New Zealand remaining coronavirus-free is low and the country should be preparing for a pandemic, a Un...

18 Feb 2020

It’s International Women’s Day soon and we’re celebrating!

International Womens day, CReaTE, Bioengineering

12 Feb 2020

University of Otago, Christchurch researchers lead study to help those most affected by mosque attacks

A new Health Research Council-funded study is about to get underway to help understand the psychological and physical ef...

17 Jan 2020

HPV vaccine reduces rates of cervical abnormalities, likely to result in less cervical cancer

10 Dec 2019

30 new Professors for the University of Otago

06 Dec 2019

6 December 2019, Nineteen new Associate Professors for Health Sciences

Nineteen new Associate Professors for Health Sciences

05 Nov 2019

Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award

31 Oct 2019

$3.8 million to Otago researchers in Career Development Awards

29 Oct 2019

First New Zealand study of cannabis use in people with spinal cord injuries

08 Oct 2019

New Otago Medical School Dean brings international expertise

04 Oct 2019

4 October 2019, Translational Research Grant applications sought

All academic staff in the Division of Health Sciences are eligible to apply for the Translational Research Grant.

20 Aug 2019

Micronutrients affect gut bacteria associated with ADHD in small but promising study

13 Aug 2019

Graduate nursing students begin study

The first intake of the University of Otago, Christchurch's new graduate-entry Master of Nursing Science students have b...

16 Jul 2019

New Zealanders involved in global study showing genetic predisposition for anorexia