Otago scientists elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand

A leading University of Otago microbiologist and its incoming Research Deputy Vice-Chancellor are among 13 new Fellows elected to the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Professor Gerald Tannock of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a world-leading authority on gastrointestinal microbes and their role in health and disease and has pioneered the amalgamation of traditional methods with DNA-based technologies.

Also among the new Fellows is Professor Richard Blaikie. Currently at the University of Canterbury, Professor Blaikie will take up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Otago next month. He is a leading international contributor to the rapidly developing field of nano-scale optics and has pioneered important developments, including a controversial superlensing phenomenon.

The 13 Fellows were elected at the annual general meeting of the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Academy in Auckland today. Academy chairperson Dr Stephen Goldson said: “Being elected as a Fellow is an honour given to our top researchers for showing distinction in research or in the advancement of science, technology or the humanities.

The Royal Society of New Zealand now has 376 Fellows and 57 Honorary Fellows. Fellows are involved in providing expert advice, promoting best research practice and disseminating science and humanities information.

A list of Otago experts available for media comment is available elsewhere on this website.

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