The Leading Thinkers Initiative is a flagship research partnership for the University of Otago
The Leading Thinkers Initiative was Otago’s unique response to the government’s Partnership for Excellence Framework established in 2003. Unlike other Universities we chose to invest in people – building ‘knowledge leaders’ vital for the nation’s future wellbeing.
The breadth and depth of the work done by the Chairs created under this programme is extraordinary. It has been transformative research that is playing a part in changing the world for the better.
Hon Grant Robertson
Vice-Chancellor
Celebrating 21 years of the Leading Thinkers Initiative
Download our booklet: Celebrating 21 years of the Leading Thinkers Initiative (PDF)
Meet our Leading Thinkers
Professor Neil Gemmell
AgResearch Chair in Reproduction and Genomics
Professor Nicola Taylor
Alexander McMillan Chair in Childhood Studies
Professor Nicola Taylor profile
Professor Michael LeBuffe
Baier Chair in Early Modern Philosophy
Professor Michael LeBuffe profile
Professor Martin Kennedy
Carney Centre for Pharmacogenomics
Professor Martin Kennedy profile
Professor Kurt Krause
Centre for Molecular Research in Infectious Diseases
Professor Claudine Stirling
Centre for Trace Element Analysis
Professor Claudine Stirling profile
Professor Richard Jackson
Chair in Peace and Conflict Studies
Professor Richard Jackson profile
Professor Stephen Robertson
Cure Kids Chair in Child Health Research
Professor Stephen Robertson profile
Professor Andrew Day
Cure Kids Chair of Paediatric Genetics
Professor Nathan Berg
Dunedin City Chair in Entrepreneurship
Professor Peter Kuch
Eamon Cleary Chair in Irish Studies
Professor Jim Mann
Edgar Chair in Diabetes Medicine
Dr Maree Inder
Gama Research Fellow in Bipolar Disorder
Professor David Tombs
Howard Paterson Chair in Theology and Public Issues
Professor Rachael Taylor
Karitane Chair in Early Childhood Obesity
Professor Rachael Taylor profile
Professor Philip Hill
McAuley Chair of International Health
Professor Mike Eccles
NZ Institute for Cancer Research Trust Chair in Cancer Pathology
Professor Tracey Skelton
Ron Lister Chair in Geography
Professor Tracey Skelton research interests
Professor Lloyd Davis
Stuart Chair in Science Communication
Professor Liam McIlvanney
Stuart Chair in Scottish Studies
Professor Liam McIlvanney profile
Professor Jemma Geoghegan
Webster Family Chair in Viral Pathogenesis
Professor Jemma Geoghegan profile
Chairs to be appointed
- McKenzie Chair in Clinical Science
- NZ Law Foundation Chair in Emerging Technologies
- TD Scott Chair in Urology
Leading Thinkers into the future
As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking to the future. Join us by contributing to our research.