Inaugural Professorial Lectures: Recent Episodes
University of Otago
The talk describes David's personal journey as a pilot and psychologist to understand the role of decision making in aviation safety.
As an environmental planner, Claire Freeman’s research focuses on the intersection of the natural and built environment. She examines how environmental relationships can be enhanced through more effective planning policy, design and practice. In particular, she looks at how planning can help create urban environments that work better for children and young people, and for nature. It links across three major disciplinary fields; the social sciences, biological science and planning. Some current and recent projects she is involved with are: “Natural neighbourhoods for city children”, a Marsden-funded study exploring how children in Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington connect with nature in their daily lives; “the Dunedin Garden Study,” which investigates householders’ relationships with native biodiversity in their gardens; “Children and young people’s experiences following the Christchurch earthquake”; and a study of “Children’s experiences of neighbourhood” in New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati. 20 September 2016
In this Inaugural Professorial Lecture, Professor Jacinta Ruru anchors her research journey within this Māori proverb to help bring alive the endurance and 'foreverness' of the Māori world in Aotearoa. Professor Ruru shares the ways in which she has sought to contribute towards challenging the law to more respectfully recognise and embrace Indigenous peoples’ authority, laws, values, rights and responsibilities to own, govern and manage land and water. 12 September 2016
Prof Abby Smith has been fascinated by shells and how they are formed since she was a child. She takes us on a journey with her, and we learn that shells have a lot to tell us!
Professor Etienne Nel of the Department of Geography, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Dealing with Difference: Responses to uneven geographical development”. Etienne has authored, co-authored or edited 10 books, and has written nearly 30 book chapters and more than 100 articles, primarily on economic development in Africa. 2 August 2016
Professor Poia Rewi of Te Tumu - School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture, "Hoka: Motivators of Time". Professor Rewi (Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Te Arawa) works on a regional and national level in multiple areas of Te Reo promotion, teaching and research. 14 July 2016.
Professor Lisette Burrows of the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences gave her Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 19th of April, 2016. She talks about her research into teh demonising or larger body shapes and how effective - or not - the current educational campaigns are in providing balanced information about healthy eating and exercise, and whether in fact there is an obesity epidemic. It was very thought provoking and engaging - have a listen!
Professor Cliff Law delivered his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 16th of February. Professor Law holds a joint appointment between Otago and NIWA, exploring the chemical interactions at the interface between the sea and the sky.
Professor David Hutchinson delivered his IPL on the 15th of December, exploring theories of light as wave and particle, explaining that the description of something is not necessarily its reality, and talking about how his theoretical work builds into the exciting research taking place the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonics and Quantum Technologies.
Professor Jon Hall, Head of the Department of Classics, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Murderous Politeness in Ancient Rome”. Jon's research focuses on Cicero – in particular, Cicero's letters and speeches. Recently Jon completed a book on Cicero’s use of showmanship in the Roman law courts. 3 May 2016
Professor David Larsen delivered his IPL on the 17th of November in 2015. He described his work in synthesising organic molecules . This work is in collaboration with biologists primarily, developing therapeutic molecules - PIMs - aimed at reducing asthma, and also looking at molecules designed to slowly release carbon monoxide to support organ transport. This very practical work has required entirely new methodologies and many years' dedication.
Professor Stuart Young's Inaugural Professorial Lecture is entitled "We need new forms": Playful Adventures from Chekhov to Verbatim Theatre. Professor Stuart Young is currently Head of the Department of Music (which incorporates the Theatre Studies programme and the Bachelor of Peforming Arts programme). His research interests include Documentary/Verbatim Theatre; Russian drama, in particular Chekhov, and its reception abroad; Translation Studies and translation for the theatre; Modern British drama and theatre; New Zealand drama and theatre; Gay and queer drama. 8 March 2016
Professor Nancy Longnecker delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 15th of September 2015. Nancy's journey from Biologist to communicator to researcher in Sciecne communication has been a fascinating one, and her current work in evaluation of science communication experiences is vital in validating, fine-tuning and and sometimes revolutionising the field.
Professor Christina Hulbe gave her Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 1st of September 2015. She talked about her work on mapping deformations in West Antarctica, and how GPS technology has changed her work. Satellite imagery of meltwater ponds has led to a clearer understanding of the creation of deep crevasses and shattering of icesheets.
Professor David Bryant delivered his Inaugural Professorial lecture on July 21st 2015. He gave an overview of his work, modelling genetic information to assist with tracing points of origin for plants or animal species.
Professor David Tombs holds the Howard Paterson Chair in Theology and Public Issues and is Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago. His Inaugural Professorial Lecture discusses Latin American liberation theology and its ongoing legacy. 8 September 2015
Professor Liz Slooten delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture to a packed theatre on Tuesday 24th of August. The lecture gave an overview of Professor Slooten's work documenting populations of Hector's and Maui dolphones aorund New Zealand's coast as well as tracking and documenting bahaviour of sperm whales and right whalee. Professor Slooten's work highlights the dangers of gill-net fishing and the impact it has on endangered species of marine mammals.
Professor Steve Wing's research explores the interconnectedness of ocean ecosystems - the physical and chemical processes and how they impact on the food webs, how spatial factors impact on population resilience and so on. This work has been applied with considerable success in the Fiordland area where marine reserves have led to stronger populations across the ecosystem.
Professor Phil Seddon discusses the pros and cons of re-introducing species that have become extinct; the possibilities of reviving populations by translocation; the need to re-aquaint ourselves with the wildlife on our doorstep, in an increasingly urbanised world.
Professor Phil Bishop talks about his lifelong fascination with amphibians in general and frogs in particular. He discusses the importance of frogs as an indicator species for the wellbeing of our environment, and delivers lessons in acoustic identification - as each species of frog has a unique sound. The inaugural professorial lecture was delivered on May the 5th 2015.
Professor Takashi Shogimen of the Department of History & Art History delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Reshaping the Baton: The enduring relevance of intellectual history”. 21 April 2015
Professor Richard Gearry's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Wednesday, 25 February 2015.
Professor Steve Higgins delivered his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 3rd of June 2014. Steve talked about the challenges of forecasting ecological developments, due to the many and varied factors that come into play. Humboldt's descriptive empirical work is contrasted with MacArthur's theoretical work, and the usefulness of modeling, in spite of its contingencies and complexities, is outlined.
Professor Blair Blakie's Inaugural Professorial Lecture was delivered on the 6th of May 2014. Blair talked about ultra-cold atoms, superfluids and superconductors, how useful quantum physics can be to explain other complex and unpredictable systems in nature, and techniques for cooling atoms down to a billionth of a kelvin above absolute zero. Seriously cool...
Professor Halberstadt discusses the way that morphing faces makes them more attractive. he discusses te idea of fluency, or the ease of processing for the brain that makes something more appealing to us, simply because it s easier to figure out. Professor Halberstadt gave his Inaugural Professorial Lecture in the 19th of November 2013
Professor Craig Rodger delivers his IPL in energetic style - outlining the nature of radiation belts and his research into solar wind, the ionisation of the ozone. The lecture was delivered on the 18th of March
Professor Tony Harland, Head of the Higher Education Development Centre, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Slow Scholarship and Deliberate Spaces for Thinking and Learning”. 2 September 2014
Professor Sean Fitzsimons of the Department of Geography delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Is the present the key to the past? Lessons from Antarctica and the Southern Alps”. 8 July 2014
Professor Michael LeBuffe, University of Otago Chair in Early Modern Philosophy, of the Department of Philosophy delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Pocket Hobbes” 13 May 2014
Professor Julian Eaton-Rye's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Tuesday, 10 December 2013.
Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith, Dean of the Graduate Research School, delivers her Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Educating Undergraduates for Uncertain Futures”. 3 December 2013
Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith's Inaugural Professorial Lecture on 3rd of December 2013. Rachel discusses the value of engaging undergraduate students in research. She explores the graduate attributes that are developed in this way, and other ways of reinforcing this learning, such as reflective and evaluative practice.
Professor Richard Jackson of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “The discursive construction of social practice, or, how stories make our world”. 22 October 2013
Professor Anthony Robins' Inaugural Public Lecture covered his passions for memory, for teaching and for education in the wider context. He explains how memory works, and the way the brain retrieves information; he discusses his work with robotics clubs in intermediate schools, and his work in developing new programming courses for the secondary school curriculum. 17 September 2013
Professor Elaine Reese delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 3rd of September 2013. Elaine's research focuses on the importance of rich reminiscing between parent and their children - its importance for the development of language, vocabulary, memory, elf-concept and well-being in children, adolescents and young adults.
Professor Jon Water's Inaugural Professorial Lecture on 6th of August 2013. Jon talks about genetics and how DNA can be used to map extinction and recolonization - for plants as well as animals. He talks about populations of freshwater galaxiids that have been separated by geological events, and about prehistoric sealions and penguins that became extinct with human colonisation, and how new populations have then taken the place of those prehistoric species.
ProfessorDavid Wharton's Inaugural Professorial Lecture on 23rd of July 2013. David talks about the importance of nematodes, and his particular research interests in how nematodes cope with the stress of extreme cold in Antarctica.
Professor Russell Frew's Inaugural Professorial Lecture on 2nd of July 2013. Russell talks about using stable isotope ratios as "fingerprints" to trace points of origin. This research technique has practical applications in food traceability, biosecurity and forensics. Russell is currently based at the IAEA.
"Free radicals spark the fires of inflammation", Professor Tony Kettle's IPL, Wednesday 13 March 2013
Professor Ian Jamieson presents his journey in the study of birds: conservation biology, the role and significance of genetic diversity, and his work in developing management tools for the recovery of threatened species such as the takahe, kokako, kakapo and others. Professor Jamieson's talk was presented on Tuesday the 4th of June 2013.
"Tales of genes, gender and genealogy" Professor Vicky Cameron's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Department of Medicine University of Otago, Christchurch.
Professor Steve Dawson's inaugural professorial lecture was delivered on the 7th of May. He spoke about his work on Hector's dolphins, and how this research very quickly became conservation research and the small population numbers became apparent.
"Stress, earthquakes and the brain" Professor Richard Porter's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Department of Psychological Medicine,University of Otago, Christchurch.
"Molecular assemblies and cell suicide - avenues for new anti-cancer compounds" Professor Catherine Day's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Professor Mercer: Robert and Marjorie Webster Chair in Viral Pathogenesis, Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Professor Michael Albert explains complex permutation work in terms of card shuffles, good and bad. He demonstrates these kinds of good or bad shuffles, explaining how these deliver good or bad randomisation of a deck of cards. This is Professor Albert's inaugural professorial lecture, delivered on the 16th of April 2013.
Professor Alex Miller of the Department of Philosophy, delivers his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “The Art of Philosophical Sythesis” 9 April 2013
"From why to how well: Questions about New Zealand's health system" Professor Robin Gauld's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Professor Gauld: Director of the Centre for Health Systems, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine
Angela McCarthy is Associate Director of the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies and Professor of Scottish and Irish History in the Department of History and Art History where she teaches Scottish history and Irish and Scottish migration. She presents her inaugural professorial lecture. 19 March 2013
"Surgical waiting lists: are patients getting a fair go?" Professor Jean-Claude Theis' Inaugural Professorial Lecture, 27 November 2012. Professor Theis:, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine
Professor Ted Ruffman of the department of Psychology explores the theory of mind, how emotional recognition declines in older adults and the implications of this; and whether dogs are really empathetic. This Inaugural Professorial Lecture was delivered on August 14th 2012
Professor Frauendiener describes the way that the speed of light affects what is seen. Einstein's special theory of relativity suggests that various distortions occur when the viewer travels at close to the speed of light, including Lorantz contraction, aberration and doppler effects.
Professor Struan Scott, from the Faculty of Law, presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture: “Mistaken Payments and the Change of Position Defence: Rare Cases and Elegance”. 7 August 2012.
Professor Hugh Campbell of the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the topic of “Food: Old Ruptures and New Politics”. 10 July 2012.
Professor Tony Ballantyne presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the topic of “Knowledge and Communication in Colonial Otago”. 8 May 2012
Professor Murray Rae of the Department of Theology and Religion presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the topic of “Theology and the Pursuit of Truth”. 13 October 2011.
Professor Andrew Geddis, Faculty of Law, presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the topic “Of Flags and Protest: Dissent, Offence and the Limits of Free Speech”.13 September 2011.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture from Doug Booth, Dean of the School of Physical Education at University of Otago. Prof Booth talked about the de-pleasuring of physical activity and the need to consider both social and biological components in exploring the intrinsic benefits of physical activity. The lecture was entitled "From politics to pleasure : professing a philosophy of Physical Education" and was delivered on Wednesday the 12th of November, 2008.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture from Dave Prior, head of Geology at University of Otago. The lecture was entitled "Mapping crystals to understand gold, glaciers and earthquakes" and was delivered on Thursday the 22nd of September, 2011
Inaugural Professorial Lecture from Gary Wilson, head of Marine Science and researcher in Geology at University of Otago. The lecture was entitled "Shall we lower the lifeboats? A marine ecological view of warming climates." The lecture was delivered on Thursday the 1st of September, 2011
Inaugural Professorial Lecture from Ken Hodge of the School of Physical Education. The lecture was entitled "Sports Psychology: It's the thought that counts." The IPL was delivered on Tuesday 17th of April 2012.
"Viruses and us - is it all bad news?" Professor Andrew Mercer's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Professor Mercer: Robert and Marjorie Webster Chair in Viral Pathogenesis, Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
"The disadvantages of a brain" Professor Ian McLennan's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences.
"In and out of the mouths of babes?" Professor Bernadette Drummond's Inaugural Professorial Lecture. Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry
"The rewarding brain" - The Inaugural Professorial Lecture from Professor Brian Hyland, Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences.
Professor Richard Walter of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology) presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the topic of “Challenges and Diversions in Pacific Archaeology” on 19 October 2011. Professor Walter's research interests include prehistory and archaeology of Oceania with a special interest in Melanesia and Polynesia; material culture analysis; history of archaeological method and theory; ethno-archaeology; and faunal analysis.
Professor Ewan Fordyce, Department of Geology, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on May 19, 2011. Held November 24, 2010.
Professor Robert Aldred, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on April 7, 2011. Held November 24, 2010.
Professor Lyall Hanton, Department of Chemistry, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 1, 2009. Held November 24, 2010.
Professor Phil Bremer, Department of Food Science, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on November 18, 2010. Held November 24, 2010.
Professor Kim Economides, Director of the University of Otago Legal Issues Centre, Faculty of Law, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on September 22, 2010.
Professor Iain Lamont, Department of Biochemistry, Dunedin School of Medicine, Division of Health Sciences.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given October 07, 2010.
Professor Liam McIlvanney, Stuart Chair in Scottish Studies, Department of English, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 13, 2010.
Professor Jennie Connor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given September 07, 2010.
Professor Indrawati Oey, Department of Food Science, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on June 30, 2010.
Professor Jim McQuillan, Department of Chemistry, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on July 22, 2010.
Professor Mike Colombo, Department of Psychology, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on August 5, 2010.
Professor Peter Herbison, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given July 26, 2010.
Professor Andrew Bradstock, Howard Patterson professor of Theology and Public Issues, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on June 2, 2010.
Professor Pauline Norris, Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy.
Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given May 24, 2010.
Professor Jean Fleming, Centre for Science Communication, Division of Science. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 22, 2008.
Professor Kath Dickinson, Department of Botany. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on March 18, 2010.
Professor David Bilkey, Department of Psychology, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on November 18, 2009.
Professor Kevin Clements, Foundation Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies and Director of the New Zealand National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS), and Secretary General of the International Peace Research Association Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given September 23, 2009.
Professor Chris Ackerley, Department of English, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on May 22, 2008.
Professor Keith Gordon, Department of Chemistry, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on July 1, 2009.
Professor Kwok-Wing Lai, Director of Centre for Distance Education and Learning Technologies, College of Education Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given November 6, 2008.
Professor Nicola Peart, Faculty of Law Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 23, 2008.
Professor Robert Hannah, Department of Classics Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given May 29, 2008.
Professor Lisa Smith, College of Education, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on March 11, 2009.
Professor Majella Franzmann, Pro Vice Chancellor for Humanities, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 8, 2008.
Professor Robin Grieves, Department of Finance and Quantitative Analysis. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on September 3 2008.
Professor Alfred Haug, Department of Economics Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on November 14, 2007.
Professor Robert Patman, Professor of International Relations, Department of Politics. Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given October 16, 2008.
Professor Rex Tauati Ahdar, Faculty of Law, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on August 21, 2008.
Professor Peter Kuch, Eamon Cleary Professor of Irish Studies, presents his Inaugural Professorial Lecture, “Thinking about Irish Studies”. 6 August 2008
Professor Geoff Hall, Faculty of Law, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on May 15, 2008.
Professor Amanda Barusch, Head of Social Work and Community Development Department Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on March 12, 2008.
Professor Jeffrey Smith. University of Otago College of Education, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on 21 November, 2007.
Professor Kerry Shephard, Higher Education Development Centre, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on November 7, 2007.
Professor Tony Binns, Department of Geography, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 24, 2007.
Professor Terry Crooks, Otago University College of Education, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on October 4, 2007.
Professor Tom Brooking, Department of History, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on September 27, 2007.
Professor Peter Anstey, Department of Philsosphy, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on September 12, 2007.
Professor John Dawson, Faculty of Law Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on September 6, 2007.
Professor Richard Morgan, Department of Geography, Inaugural Professorial Lecture, given on August 23, 2007.