Public Health research groups, Public Health Research at Otago

This page lists all the research groups and facilities, alphabetically, that appear in this website.

To find out more about individuals working in a particular field you can explore our Health Sciences expertise database by keyword (eg public health), or by a researcher's name. Each staff profile provides information on qualifications, current academic position, contact details, and a summary of research and publications.

Search the Health Sciences expertise database

Ageing Well National Science Challenge

The Ageing Well National Science Challenge is hosted by the University of Otago.

The Challenge is a collaboration between the Universities of Otago, Auckland, Canterbury, Massey, Waikato, Victoria and Auckland University of Technology together with the Centre for Research Evaluation and Social Assessment, and AgResearch.

Ageing Well's vision is to add life to years for all older New Zealanders. This will be achieved by harnessing science to sustain health and wellbeing into the later years of life.

Email ageingwell@otago.ac.nz
Web ageingwellchallenge.co.nz

AIDS Epidemiology Group

The AIDS Epidemiology Group (AEG) has been responsible for national surveillance of AIDS and HIV infection in New Zealand since 1989.

Our research aimsare to:

Monitor the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in New Zealand through ongoing surveillance
Develop, and when appropriate, to apply, new methods of monitoring and evaluation, and
Contribute to the wider knowledge of HIV infection and AIDS

Email aidsepigroup@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/aidsepigroup

ASPIRE2025

ASPIRE2025 is a partnership between major New Zealand research groups carrying out research to help achieve the Government's goal of a tobacco-free Aotearoa by 2025. ASPIRE2025 brings together leading tobacco-free researchers and health service groups in New Zealand and strengthens existing collaborations. ASPIRE2025 was awarded the status of a University of Otago Research Theme in November 2011.

Email aspire2025@otago.ac.nz
Web aspire2025.org.nz

The Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness Programme (BODE³)

The Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness Programme (BODE³) was a Health Research Council funded research programme. It has studied the health and wider societal gains, costs, cost-effectiveness and equity impacts of health sector interventions, and has built capacity in modelling of health sector interventions.

Health Research Council funding for the BODE³ Programme officially finished in January 2022. This programme of research has produced important evidence on the health impacts and cost effectiveness of a range of policies and interventions for Aotearoa New Zealand. It has also supported many staff in developing skills in the field of epidemiological/health economic modelling. Going forward, there are a number of modelling research projects that will be continuing in the Department of Public Health and these projects will form a research network: SiHMNet: Simulation Health Modelling Network. Additional work that builds on BODE³ tobacco modelling is being led by the University of Melbourne.

Email bode3@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/publichealth/research/bode3

Cancer and Chronic Conditions (C3) research group

The Cancer and Chronic Conditions (C3) research group is a collaborative group of researchers working at the interface between public health, health services research, and clinical medicine. Our work includes a range of projects aimed at reducing the impact of cancer and chronic conditions on population health and health inequalities through policy and health system change.

Ko te rōpū rangahau mō te Mate Pukupuku me ngā Māuiui Tūroa (C3), he kāhui kairangahau e mahi tahi ana ki waenga i ngā ao o te rāngai hauroa tūmatanui, te rangahau ratonga hauora me te rongoā haumanu. Kei te kōkiri mātau i ētahi kaupapa e mahi ana ki te whakaiti i te pānga o te mate pukupuku me ngā māuiui tūroa ki te hauora o te taupori me ngā ōritenga kore o te hauora mā te whakarerekē i ngā kaupapahere me te pūnaha hauora

Email jason.gurney@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/publichealth/research/cancercontrol

Cancer Research at Otago

At Otago we have a huge number of researchers working to advance the prevention, detection, and management of cancer in New Zealand, and beyond.

Explore our cancer research:

Our website also has informative articles and short videos of researchers presenting easy-to-understand outlines of their research.

Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/cancer-research

Cancer Society Research Collaboration | Te Rōpū Rangahau ō Te Kāhui Matepukupuku

We aim to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand, and to reduce cancer-related inequalities.

We work in close coordination with the Cancer Society of New Zealand to prioritise the research we conduct, disseminate our findings, and advocate for world-leading cancer prevention, care and support.

Our partners include Massey University, Michigan State University, The University of Melbourne, and Victoria University of Wellington.

Email louise.signal@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/cancer-society-research

Cardiovascular Disease at Otago

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the collective term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. CVD kills more than one in three New Zealanders, and is responsible for more than 30,000 hospital admissions each year.

Cardiovascular Disease at Otago is a directory of research groups and collaborations relevant to CVD research associated with the University of Otago.

We aim to reduce the health burden of CVD through cultivating research excellence and improving health policy, workforce training, and practice.

Explore our cardiovascular disease research:

Our CVD website also has informative articles and short videos of researchers presenting easy-to-understand outlines of their research.

Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/cvd

Centre for Health Systems and Technology

The Centre for Health Systems and Technology (CHeST) has a particular focus on the applied end of health system and technology research, supporting the translation of research into practice.

CHeST's five core themes:

Health Care Delivery
Health System Architecture, Management, and Performance
Health Quality, Safety, and Community Engagement
Health Workforce
Health Technology

Email chest@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/healthsystems

Centre for International Health

The Centre for International Health facilitates and promotes research to contribute to the understanding and improvement of health in under-resourced countries, and focuses on postgraduate training and strategic mentorship of leaders.

Email internationalhealth@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/internationalhealth

Centre for Neuroendocrinology

The CNE comprises ten research groups focused upon understanding how the brain controls hormone levels and how hormones control brain function.

We have three themes of research that focus upon understanding neural regulation.

Research themes:

Reproduction
Body weight and metabolism
Stress

Email dave.grattan@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/neuroendocrinology

Centre for Pacific Health (Va'a o Tautai)

The Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health is home to a dedicated team of Pacific and non-Pacific researchers working in areas of importance to Pacific communities in New Zealand and internationally.

Pacific health is a holistic concept that encompasses broader ideas on well-being to encompass physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. With more than 20 different cultures captured under the umbrella of 'Pacific', there are unique approaches to health that mean health care, health systems and health services can be enriched with further understanding of Pacific-specific approaches to health.

Email vot@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/healthsciences/pacific/vaa-o-tautai

Centre for Translational Cancer Research—Te Aho Matatū

Translational cancer research bridges the gap between laboratory-based science and treatment in the clinic. We now have sufficient knowledge in the fields of cancer biology, molecular biology, and immunology to make a significant impact on the treatment and management of cancer.

We're bringing about rapid improvements in cancer outcomes by addressing defined clinical problems. Our research is accelerating the development and testing of new drugs and diagnostic tools that directly assist clinicians and their patients.

Email ctcr@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/ctcr

Child Health Research at Otago

Child Health Research at Otago gathers together the research expertise and activities of scientists investigating health issues primarily affecting our youngest New Zealanders.

We also partner with a wide range of stakeholders, communities, institutions, and nations beyond New Zealand to collaborate on health issues of global significance.

Explore our child health research:

Web otago.ac.nz/child-health-research

Christchurch Heart Institute

Here at the Christchurch Heart Institute we help save thousands of lives through research into improved diagnosis, better prediction and advanced treatments for heart disease. Our team of internationally-renowned experts directly play a role in increasing the survival of New Zealanders with heart disease.

Our research focus:

New blood tests for heart attack diagnosis and prognosis
Using new methods for treating heart failure and improving outcomes
Understanding the genetics of heart disease; why heart disease runs in some families

Email chi@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/chch-heart-institute

Collaboration of Ageing Research Excellence (CARE)

CARE conducts research in gerontology—the study of ageing in all its aspects. Gerontology is becoming increasingly important in developed countries, including New Zealand, because of our ageing populations.

Our network's areas of research strength:

Physical health
Brain health
Social and policy development

Email care@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/care

Community Pharmacy Demonstration Project

A team based in Public Health has been contracted to conduct an evaluation of a recent demonstration site initiative being conducted in some community pharmacies in Canterbury. The goal of the new model operating in the demonstration pharmacies is to enable pharmacists to better utilise their extensive expertise in medicines management to support patients in the safe and effective use of medicines.

Email publichealth.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/populationhealth/otago049052.html

Co-Search: COVID-19 Research Collaborative

Guiding an effective and fair COVID-19 pandemic response in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Co-Search is a collaboration of researchers, universities, community organisations and a Crown Research Institute. It is led by Professor Michael Baker and Research Associate Professor Amanda Kvalsvig of the Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington.

Email virginia.signal@otago.ac.nz
Email fiona.taylor@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/research/heiru/co-search/

D4 Network

D4—Diagnostics, Drugs, Devices and Discovery focuses on translational research for improving care .

Research focus:

Creating novel point-of-care diagnostics and devices enabling targeted and selective treatments
Developing smart drug delivery systems and devices to improve and optimise therapy
Drug discovery for innovative treatments

The network draws together the disciplines of bioengineering, pharmaceutical science and drug discovery with an emphasis on collaborating with commerce and industry.

Email greg.walker@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/d4

Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch

Research in our Department draws from a broad range of disciplines, all of which are essential to addressing public health issues.

Our department embraces the significant overlap and synergy between the groupings represente in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Environment and Health, Social Science, Humanities and Health.

Research focus:

The marginalisation of vulnerable populations
Public health economics
Quality and safety in health care
Infectious disease
Surveillance and management
Food environments
Hauora Māori
Health professionals
Health promotion
Public health pedagogy

Methodological expertise:

Epidemiology and biostatistics
Kaupapa Māori
A range of qualitative methods

Email publichealth.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/populationhealth

Department of Preventive and Social Medicine

We work to understand why some people are healthy and some are not, how to prevent illness and injury, how people's health can be improved through working with communities, how political systems and health organisations affect health, and other issues relating to the health of populations.

Email pa.hodpsm@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dsm-psm

Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington

The research groups within the Department of Public Health at our Wellington campus carry out a range of research on critical public health issues. These include cancer and screening, healthy eating, health services research and prioritisation, housing, sustainability and the environment, inequalities, infectious diseases, Māori health and tobacco.

Email publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/publichealth/research

Division of Health Sciences research

The Division of Health Sciences offers many services and support to established and emerging researchers.

Research support:

Web otago.ac.nz/healthsciences/research/

Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research (EDOR)

Our mission is to make a significant contribution to reducing the global burden of diabetes and obesity through research and dissemination of knowledge. We aim to reduce the prevalence, and to improve the management, of diabetes and obesity by finding new ways to prevent and treat these conditions. By striving for research excellence and encouraging international collaboration we can bring the greatest benefit to New Zealanders and the wider world. We're sharing our discoveries with individuals, communities, teachers, health professionals and policymakers.

Email diabetes@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/diabetes

Genetics Otago

Genetics Otago is the largest centre for advanced genetics research in Australasia, with researchers and facilities covering the full spectrum of genetics research.

Our infectious diseases research:

Applied genetics research
Our researchers are at the forefront of selecting and producing new traits for biologically-based industries. These industries are the backbone of the New Zealand economy.
Developmental genetics research
We study genes and development in numerous vertebrates and invertebrates. We work to identify genes associated with human developmental disease, and on epigenetics, and human and plant biology.
Microbial research
Our researchers study the biology of these organisms, including how viruses interact with other organisms and the immune system, and how they might be harnessed to deliver health benefits.

Email go@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/genetics/nz/

Genomics Aotearoa

Genomics Aotearoa is an agile, leading-edge and collaborative platform, established to ensure that New Zealand is internationally participating and leading in the rapidly developing fields of genomics (the study of the genome, the complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism) and bioinformatics (the development of methods and software tools for understanding the biological data derived from genomics).

GA is undertaking a suite of nationally significant research activities supporting New Zealand's economic, environmental and social well-being.

Email genomics.aotearoa@otago.ac.nz
Web www.genomics-aotearoa.org.nz

Hauora Manawa | Heart Health: The Community Heart Study

This research aims to collect data on the current levels of established heart disease, levels of previously undiagnosed diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their risk factors in randomly-selected population samples from two diverse Maori communities, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa in Hawkes Bay, and Mana Whenua ki Waitaha in Canterbury, as well as a non-Maori control group in Canterbury.

Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/research/hauoramanawa/

Health, Environment and Infection Research Unit (HEIRU)

The Health, Environment and Infection Research Unit is a collaboration of researchers focused on the impact of infectious diseases and adverse environmental factors on population health. We use a range of research methods to investigate these health concerns; to identify effective interventions to reduce the burden of disease and inequalities; and to support the move to greater environmental sustainability. HEIRU aims to provide evidence-based recommendations and advice to support New Zealand and international agencies and practitioners in their disease prevention and control activities.

Email michael.baker@otago.ac.nzWebotago.ac.nz/wellington/publichealth/research/heiru

Healthier Lives – He Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge 2015–2024

The Healthier Lives – He Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge was a national research collaboration dedicated to achieving healthier lives for all New Zealanders.

It has contributed evidence, technology and tools that can help to achieve more equitable health outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The website remains available as a resource and for archived materials.

Web healthierlives.co.nz

Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit (HePPRU)

The Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit aims to foster excellence in research in health promotion and public health policy. HePPRU works in collaboration with policy-makers and policy advocates to advance the good health of the peoples of Aotearoa / New Zealand through independent, critical and innovative research, teaching, and community service.

Email louise.signal@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/heppru

Health Services Research at Otago

Identifying the most effective ways to organise, manage, finance, and deliver high quality health care

Health Services Research at Otago supports research excellence across all areas of health services delivery.

We bring unique strengths to our work:

Leading research capability
Special connectedness with health professionals' training
Enduring relationships with health services agencies across New Zealand

Email healthservices.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/health-services

He Kainga Oranga | Housing and Health Research Programme

He Kainga Oranga, the Housing and Health Research Programme, examines and clarifies the links between Housing and Health. Although the association between poor housing and ill health is known, the links that make up the causal chain have until recently been poorly understood. Conducting our own studies and examining existing evidence enables us to identify and evaluate housing-related interventions to improve individual, family and community health. Our multi-disciplinary team has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative disciplines.

Email healthyhousing@otago.ac.nzWeb healthyhousing.org.nz

HIV: The lived experience

This research is conducted within the Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch. It explores the intersections between the experience of living with HIV, aging and social isolation in Canterbury across time to inform planning for service delivery models.

Research suggests that people are living longer with HIV and therefore as a group are getting older; more people are being diagnosed with HIV later in life; and there has been a trend in geographical movement of people living with HIV / AIDS from cities to rural areas. These factors all have an impact on access to support and health services.

Email gillian.abel@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/populationhealth/otago045432.html

Hospital Healthcare Performance

This project will adapt and apply new outcome measures and modern statistical approaches to evaluating hospital performance in New Zealand. As well as providing information on variability and trends in in-patient outcomes and hospital-level predictors of these outcomes, this project will provide the statistical basis for a sophisticated system for analysis and monitoring of hospital outcomes. A particular focus of this project is the identification of aspects of hospital organisation and working environment which may be related to patient outcomes.

Email publichealth.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/populationhealth/otago010912.html

Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit

The Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit undertakes research into the causes of cancer and the impact of prevention programmes and cancer screening. We are investigating the causes of colorectal cancer, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in New Zealand. We have developed methods to provide estimates of the individual risk of melanoma for patients, and these methods can be extended to other cancers. We are collaborating in New Zealand and internationally to assess the best method of screening for colorectal cancer.

With colleagues at the University of Canterbury and in Finland, we are investigating the potential contribution of cytomegalovirus infection to the risk of breast cancer.

The Unit represents New Zealand in the International Cancer Screening Network of the National Cancer Institute (USA) and the International Lung Cancer Consortium of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Email hughadam.unit@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dsm/hughadam

The Infection Group

We are a research collaboration between the University of Otago and the Canterbury District Health Board based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Infection Group is also an integral member of One Health Aotearoa, an alliance of New Zealand's leading infectious diseases researchers who are committed to working together to tackle important infectious diseases locally and globally.The Infection Group are interested in all aspects of human infection, and our research aims to provide new insights into the prevention, management, surveillance and control of infections of global importance.

Infection Group research:

Antimicrobials
Application of molecular diagnostics in routine diagnostic microbiology
Breath research
Influenza
Invasive bacterial infections
Legionnaires' disease
Pneumonia
Vitamin D
Zoonotic disease transmission

Email the-infection-group@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/infection-group

Infectious Disease Research at Otago

This website highlights the research expertise and activities of scientists investigating human, animal, and environmental infectious diseases in Aotearoa / New Zealand. We also partner with a wide range of stakeholders, institutions and communities to collaborate on infectious disease issues of global significance.

Explore our infectious disease research:

Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/infectious-disease

Injury Prevention Research Unit

The Injury Prevention Research Unit (IPRU) undertakes research that contributes to reducing the incidence, severity and consequences of injury in New Zealand.

Email iprunz@otago.ac.nz
Web blogs.otago.ac.nz/ipru

Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI)

The Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI) undertakes and supports research that explores Māori health inequities and building excellence in research evidence that contributes to Māori health advancement.

Research topics:

Tangata Kōmuramura: Māori Experiences of Eating Disorders
Te Uemairangi: Pathways to First Episode Psychosis and Outcomes in Māori Youth
Medical education research
Chronic kidney disease
Heart Health: The Hauora Manawa community heart study
Respiratory disease
Mental health
Community service

Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch/departments/mihi

Mental Health Research at Otago

Mental health is a broad and complex issue facing New Zealanders – and a research strength of the University of Otago. This website brings together our investigators and teams contributing to New Zealand's research achievement in the field of mental health.

Explore our mental health research:

Web otago.ac.nz/mental-health-research

New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities

The Centre for Sustainable Cities is an inter-disciplinary research centre dedicated to providing the research base for innovative solutions to the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of our urban centres.

Email sustainablecities@otago.ac.nzWeb sustainablecities.org.nz

New Zealand National Poisons Centre

The New Zealand National Poisons Centre (NZNPC) answers enquiries both from health professionals and from the general public concerning acute poisoning and the toxic effects of chemicals, drugs, poisonous plants, poisonous insects and marine animals. The 24-hour telephone number is 0800 POISON (0800 764-766). The NPC also maintains an extensive database (TOXINZ) that contains information and treatment guidelines for the management of poisoned patients. The database contains some 200,000 listed chemical products, pharmaceuticals, plants and hazardous creatures. It has New Zealand specific trade names, household products, plant and animal species.

Email poisons@otago.ac.nz
Web poisons.co.nz

New Zealand Pharmacovigilance Centre

The New Zealand Pharmacovigilance Centre consists of synergistic monitoring programs that contribute to and support the safety of medicines and related products in New Zealand through voluntary reporting of adverse events.

Email nzphvc@otago.ac.nz
Web nzphvc-carm.otago.ac.nz

Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit

The Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit (NTMHRU) contributes to a wide range of Māori health research projects and initiatives within the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, the University of Otago and our communities to ensure important and beneficial outcomes for Māori are attained.

Email emma.wyeth@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/maori-health-research

One Health Aotearoa

One Health Aotearoa is an alliance of New Zealand's leading infectious diseases researchers committed to working together to address important health hazards in New Zealand, and beyond.

Many human infections are the result of interactions with animals and the environment. We have identified three key research themes to focus on: preventing emerging infectious diseases, ensuring healthy fresh water, and reducing antimicrobial resistance.

Mātauranga Māori is interwoven and underpins all of One Health Aotearoa's research. We recognise the close alignment between Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) and the One Health paradigm.

Email: one.health@otago.ac.nz
Web: onehealth.org.nz

Otago Genomics Facility

We provide expertise and sequencing resources to New Zealand researchers and industry.

Services available:

Project design and advice
Illumina HiSeq sequencing
Illumina MiSeq sequencing
Nanostring nCounter Analysis System

The Otago Genomics Facility is an Illumina Propel-certified service provider for Illumina HiSeq 2500 and MiSeq sequencing platforms, and is also a Nanostring nCounter Analysis System core facility.

Email genomics@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/genomics

Otago Global Health Institute (OGHI)

We aim to improve global health and save lives, by identifying and evaluating solutions to important health problems in low-resource settings.

We work to address the world's most pressing health problems through research collaborations with low- and middle-income countries, and with disadvantaged groups in New Zealand.

We draw upon New Zealand's unique connections with Asia and the Pacific. Our extensive international partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaborations enable us to carry out innovative and rigorous research to advance global health.

Email globalhealth@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/global-health

Pacific Health Research at Otago

Talofa lava, kia orana, malo e lelei, fakaalofa lahi atu, bula vinaka, malo ni, halo ola keta, mauri, fakatalofa atu, and warm Pacific greetings!

We're celebrating our Pacific health research in the Division of Health Sciences.

Learn about what's going on in Pacific health research, how we can support researchers, and where to start if you're excited about research.

Email vot@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/pacific-health-research

Prostitution Law Reform Study

While sex work is no longer illegal, we have no idea if and how the Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) (2003) has informed social work practice with sex workers. We will explore the extent to which social workers are aware of the legal rights afforded to sex workers, and the extent to which young people under the age of 18 involved in sex work are affected by the legislation.

Email publichealth.uoc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/populationhealth/otago041556.html

Research Infrastructure Centre

Our Research Infrastructure Centre offers specialist expertise, technology and facilities in protein research, genomics, imaging, and biomedical research.

We support optimum design and analysis of your research, and provide skill development opportunities.

Our academic leadership is of the highest calibre and we have extensively experienced and skilled staff.

Our services are available to researchers in institutions, industry, government and private companies.

Email ric.admin@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/healthsciences/research/ric

School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy has a very active research programme with disciplines ranging from science to humanities with each having a strong contextual link to health sciences.

Research areas:

Clinical Pharmacy: concerned with patient care and the optimisation of medicine use in order to promote health and wellness, and prevent disease.
Pharmaceutical Sciences: drug discovery, drug metabolism and drug action to extend the range of drugs available and to provide a scientific basis for the quality use of medicines and bioactive substances.

Email pharmacy.research@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/pharmacy/research

Search Health Sciences Expertise Database

The Division of Health Sciences benefits from its high calibre of staff and their wide range of skills and research expertise.

Our Staff Expertise Database provides details on University of Otago, Health Sciences staff. Each staff profile provides information on qualifications, current academic position, contact details, and a summary of research and publications.

You can search our database by keyword (eg public health) or by name.

Health Sciences expertise database

Sir John Walsh Research Institute

In Dental Epidemiology, we study the development of common oral conditions in the New Zealand population. We investigate the occurrence, determinants, and natural history of these conditions. We employ a number of approaches, most notably the prospective cohort study, and the cross-sectional survey.

In our Dental Health Services Research, we look at how effectively dental health systems work for New Zealanders. We are concerned with how the dental healthcare system works, and the extent to which users are benefiting from it. Key activities are measuring oral health outcomes, and increasing understanding of how, and why people use (or do not use) dental services.

Email sjwri.admin@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/sjwri/research/dental-epidemiology-public-health

Social and Behavioural Research Unit

The Social and Behavioural Research Unit was established in 1990 with core funding from the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the support of the University of Otago. Presently it has research programmes in priority areas of tobacco control, ultraviolet radiation exposure, physical activity and nutrition, psycho-social-spiritual factors, alcohol, and Hauora Māori.

Email sbru@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/sbru

Social Justice and Child Protection Aotearoa (SJCP)

The SJCP research network is comprised of researchers, academics, educators, policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience of the child protection system. Our aim is to describe, analyse and reduce the inequities that shape people's trajectories through the system, and people's experiences of it. Addressing these requires a focus on multiple factors ranging from social and economic conditions, issues related to the distribution of authority and resources under te Tiriti, and the distribution, roles and responses of organisations in this context. While our focus is research, we define that broadly and have a strong emphasis on research collaborations across sectors and disciplines, social impact and advocacy.

Visit Social Justice and Child Protection Aotearoa

Sustainability Research at Otago

Sustainability Research at Otago is a guide to our specialised research collaborations working towards a sustainable future.

Our multidisciplinary knowledge base and extensive networks provide a powerhouse of research expertise to find solutions to the planet's most pressing challenges.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals guide our research. Our expertise in applied practice focuses on delivering a better future for people and our environment.

Web otago.ac.nz/research/sustainability.html

Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora A Eru Pōmare

Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare strives to create a Kaupapa Māori space committed to improving Māori health outcomes and eliminating inequalities through quality science and ongoing theoretical development. It takes a rights-based approach consistent with the Treaty of Waitangi, and is engaged with community through a spectrum of influence from community development, policy advocacy, research dissemination and Māori health research workforce development.

Email bridget.robson@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington/publichealth/research/erupomare

Tū Ora – Otago Falls Network

A University of Otago Research Network

Positive approaches to falls prevention tailored to communities

Our Otago Falls Network researchers are applying positive approaches to falls prevention research, attempting to avoid deficit approaches. Hence our name, Tū Ora (Standing Well).

A strength of our network of researchers is to support research that embraces indigenous and underserved communities. We also consider falls prevention from a lifecourse approach with a focus on increasing quality of life throughout the lifespan.

Web otago.ac.nz/research/centres/otago0244591.html

Virtual Health Information Network

The Virtual Health Information Network (VHIN) supports high value and high quality research from linked data, frequently using the StatsNZ Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). The VHIN is a network of researchers, analysts and professionals who share and collaborate to use health and social data and generate insights to improve the health and well-being of all New Zealanders. The VHIN aims to build capacity and capability.

Resources:

Guides
Code sharing
Courses

Email: vhin@otago.ac.nz
Web: vhin.co.nz

Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases

Our scope extends from molecular to clinical research of infectious diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants.

We have over forty experts from across the university making fundamental discoveries and translating these discoveries into practical applications against infectious diseases.

Members of the Webster Centre use a variety of methods in their research, ranging from chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology and microbiology.

Key research:

Email james.ussher@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/webster