The influence of popular television dramas such as Grey's Anatomy in launching medical careers and the need to avoid perfectionism were highlighted at University of Otago graduation ceremonies at the weekend.
University of Otago scientist Prof Richard Cannon, whose internationally known work is helping counter life-threatening fungal infections, has received the Sir John Walsh Research Award.
Pioneering asthma researcher Prof Robin Taylor, of the University of Otago, is "thrilled" to be gaining a second doctorate, reflecting the excellence of his published research, at an Otago graduation ceremony today.
Otago Polytechnic's graduation in Dunedin yesterday was the biggest December ceremony in the polytechnic's history, with 903 people graduating in a wide range of disciplines.
Believe to be the first blind person to have gained a qualification through the polytechnic School of Applied Business, Ra Smith will take a significant step towards a career in events management when he receives a diploma in marketing from Otago Polytechnic today.
New Zealand university graduates have been luckier in their lives and education than many people in other countries and should strive to make the world a better place.
That view was yesterday advanced by Catherine Healy, national co-ordinator of the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective, who was addressing the Australia-New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies conference at the University of Otago.
One of the toughest microorganisms on the planet has just been named after University of Otago microbiologist Prof Greg Cook.
Dunedin can gain multimillion-dollar benefits by doing more to cater for and promote "accessible tourism", a visiting Australian tourism researcher says.
The world was "awash with information" but knowledge was less abundant and wisdom scarce, University of Otago professor of pharmacy Ian Tucker told university graduates at the weekend.
A recent exhibition of Maori treasures from the Otago Museum in Dunedin's Chinese sister city, Shanghai, has deepened understanding of Maori culture in China, organisers say.
A billion people are going hungry, but small-scale farming, and environmental sustainability are key parts of the solution, and not just increased food production by developed countries like New Zealand.
University of Otago law students Michael Blaschke and Sarah Baillie have won a recent annual New Zealand Law Foundation National Family Law Moot, adding to a stellar competitive year for Otago law students.
Life will take a new turn for former professional roofer and national champion cyclist Shane Melrose, when he graduates from the University of Otago today with a bachelor of teaching degree.
Dunedin is likely to gain increased Chinese tourism through the success of a major Otago Museum exhibition in Shanghai, a museum senior manager says.
A new research protocol will help academics avoid "cultural quicksand" in undertaking Pacific research, University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne says.
A recent exhibition of Maori treasures from the Otago Museum in Shanghai proved a "staggering success", attracting more than 611,000 visitors and far exceeding the 400,000 to 500,000 attendance initially expected.
The Otago Settlers Museum Board seems likely to switch to less frequent, perhaps quarterly, meetings next year.
A "Golden age" of vaccines is already greatly reducing child deaths from infectious disease in Africa, leading international vaccine pioneer Prof Myron Levine says.
A $578,000 GRANT from the Lottery Grants Board has provided a "huge boost" to Otago Settlers Museum redevelopment fundraising efforts, museum director Linda Wigley says.
