University of Otago medical graduate Prof Peter Gluckman has been appointed to a new post as the prime minister's chief science adviser.
He will take up the part-time post on July 1.
Prof Gluckman, a professor of paediatric and perinatal biology, will step down from his role as director of the Liggins Institute, but will remain employed by the University of Auckland.
He is one of the world's leading researchers in the fetal influences on subsequent growth and health.
Among a long list of achievements, he has also made important advances in the understanding of brain injury caused by traumatic birth, stroke or accidents.
Prof Gluckman, born in Takapuna, studied at Otago University (1967-71), graduating with an MB ChB in 1972, and has two degrees from Auckland University, including a DSc (1988).
A Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to medicine, in 2001 he was also awarded the Rutherford Medal.
