Highest research honour for head of study

David Fergusson
David Fergusson
The University of Otago has awarded its highest research honour, the Distinguished Research Medal, to Christchurch Health and Development Study director Prof David Fergusson.

Prof Fergusson has been the driving force behind the internationally recognised study, which has closely tracked the progress of 1265 people born in Christchurch in 1977.

The medal is awarded to researchers for outstanding scholarly achievement.

Prof Fergusson, who was appointed study director in 1988 and received his PhD from Otago in 1989, said having worked for the university for more than 35 years, it was gratifying to receive the medal.

"It is important for me to acknowledge that this award is not based solely on my work, but that of all the staff of the Health and Development Study. Recognition must also be given to the 1265 families who took part in the study."

Vice-chancellor Prof Sir David Skegg said that as a researcher in his own right, and as the study's director, Prof Fergusson had made exceptional contributions to the international literature across a wide range of issues in human health and development.

"David Fergusson's record of research publication is notable for its high quality, volume and impact. During his career at Otago, he has written more than 530 research papers, books and reports carefully investigating the factors that influence health and wellbeing in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood," Prof Skegg said.

He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Psychological Society and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

 

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