Genetics at Otago

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

🧬 DNA Digest Issue 3 is out now!

From postgraduate research and student stories to departmental spotlights, staff profiles, and the latest Genetics news, there's something for everyone in this month's edition.

📖 Read it here: https://otagouni-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/allmi29p_registry_otago_ac_nz/IQBE3RVCoHBZT4JSad_Av6CEAdPVTqUMy9g7lsFPhhVqWIc?e=5pn2TQ

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

Hey students! Got a startup, side hustle, or project on the go? There's grant money on the table. 💸

Startup Dunedin's Student Pitch Competition is open for semester two, to all Otago Polytechnic and University of Otago students!

Ideas at any stage welcome. We just want to know: what would you do with $500–$1000? What would you test, and where would it get you next?

⏰ Submissions close Tuesday 15 September, 5pm.
🔗 startupdunedin.nz/pitch

07/09/2026

OBiGSA Board Game Night!

A social board game night for students to hang out and play games together. A great way to meet other people in your classes, hang out with your lab partner and get some free kai while you're at it. This event is open to anyone!

📅 17 September
🕠 5:30 pm 🎲🎉🍕
📍 Room 2.31, Biochemistry Building

RSVP using the link below
https://forms.gle/qWKQcf9mUiEQcKWe9

07/09/2026

OBiGSA is hosting Meet the Postgrads, a chance for undergrads to chat with current postgraduate students studying Genetics/Biochemistry related topics. Aimed to give undergrads a real insight into postgrad life, the style of different lab groups, and let people talk student-to-student to pass on what they wish they knew before starting postgrad and allow undergrads to ask questions and connect with our postgrads.

This event is mainly targeted at 300 level students, though anyone is welcome!

📅 21 September
🕠 5:30 pm 🔬🎓
📍 Room 2.31, Biochemistry Building

26/08/2026

Platypus Bio: R&D Experience Grant

Platypus Bio is an early-stage biotechnology company based on University of Otago premises. We're recruiting a paid 10-week summer R&D intern, funded through an R&D Experience Grant. You'd be paid to work at the bench on a live project, alongside scientists taking that work through to a product. The role suits a molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology or biotechnology background, though we're open to related disciplines.

The details in short (full details in flyer):
- 10 weeks full time, minimum 30 hours per week, from $29.90/hr
- Based on campus in Dunedin, starting November 2026
- Must begin before 1 December 2026 and finish by 31 March 2027
- Open to students at NZQA Level 7-10 (Bachelor's, Honours, Master's, PhD) at a New Zealand tertiary institution, or those who finished study within the last 12 months
- Applicants need the right to work in New Zealand
- Applications close 25 September

Applicants can apply by emailing a CV and a short note on why they want to work with us to [email protected].

24/08/2026

It might take a village to raise a child, but it can also take a community to help a PhD candidate graduate, as Benjamín Durán-Vinet’s eventful journey has proved.

19/08/2026

The Biomedical Otago Pacific Students' Association (BOPSA) and the Anatomy and Physiology Students' Association are hosting a Meet a Supervisor event for anyone interested in postgraduate studies next year. It is open to everyone (both Pacific and non-Pacific) and gives students a great chance to meet potential supervisors from across the Biomedical departments face-to-face in a booth-style setup.

When: Thursday 27th August
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Where: Hunter Centre Atrium

13/08/2026

Seminar: An Overview of The Native BioData Consortium

WHEN: 12 – 1pm Monday 17th August 2026
WHERE: Burns 7 Lecture Theatre