Five professors named ‘distinguished chairs’

High achieving University of Otago professors (from left) James Higham, Lisa Matisoo-Smith, Phil Bremer, Michelle Thompson-Fawcett and Richie Poulton (below) are to become Distinguished Chairs of the university next year. Photo: Supplied

Five internationally acclaimed University of Otago scholars and leaders are to be appointed as "distinguished chairs" of the university.

Richie Poulton

Professors Phil Bremer (food science), James Higham (tourism), Lisa Matisoo-Smith (anatomy), Richie Poulton (psychology) and Michelle Thompson-Fawcett (geography) have been named for the awards, which acknowledge their high-achieving work.

University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof David Murdoch said their work covered a wide range of topics. They were "highly distinguished" professors who had maintained an "extraordinary" level of activity across their work and had achieved pre-eminence in their fields.

"This award gives us a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate those at the very top of their game.

The distinguished chair awards were introduced in 2019 to mark the university’s 150th anniversary.

They are fixed term, four-year roles and carry the title of ahorangi taiea (distinguished professor).

They will take up their appointments on January 1.