Centre for Sustainability Research

CSR seminar this Thursday 16th April 12pm:
Smart Skins: Rethinking building envelopes for a changing climate.
Presented by
Dr Negin Imani
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/events/smart-skins-rethinking-building-envelopes-for-a-changing-climate

Senior Research Fellow Dr Jen Purdie on LNG vs pumped hydro: will NZ choose to import risk or build cleaner resilience?

LNG vs pumped hydro: will NZ choose to import risk or build cleaner resilience? Two new fast-track energy projects offer very different paths: one tied to volatile fossil fuels, the other to a more sustainable, renewable future.

Professor Caroline Orchsiton on community engagement for fast-track mining in Bendigo: "There has been a lack of meaningful community consultation on the Santana mine proposal."

Telling communities about mining and quakes There has been a lack of meaningful community consultation on the Santana mine proposal, Caroline Orchiston writes. The Santana mine proposal for...

Exciting new avalanche mapping project from our colleagues in Te Iho Whenua, School of Geography, University of Otago

New avalanche mapping system aims to keep people safe in our mountains The number of mountain visitors, including tourists, is rapidly growing in New Zealand.

Huge Congratulations to Centre for Sustainability Research doctoral student Kathryn Wright who was awarded the inaugural Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award.
An experienced farmer and registered counsellor, Wright’s master’s research into why young rural men suffer in silence has directly informed coronial findings and national policy. Her current PhD examines how land-use changes impact community well-being, and her work is expected to shape future policy.

Please join us in celebrating Kathryn Wright – Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award

Kathryn is the first-ever recipient of this award, recognising over a decade of groundbreaking work in rural mental health.

An experienced farmer AND registered counsellor, Kathryn's master's research into why young rural men suffer in silence has directly influenced coronial findings and national policy.

Her current PhD examines how land-use changes impact community well-being – work set to shape future policy direction.

This award marks a powerful moment, placing mental health contribution alongside competitive achievement. Kathryn's unwavering commitment to our rural communities makes her a truly deserving winner.

Thank you for the work you do, Kathryn. 💚

Last week, our postgraduate students hosted Disastrous Doctorates, the annual two‑day symposium organised in NZ by PhD candidates for peers undertaking disaster‑related research across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The symposium was supported by Toka Tū Ake EQC, Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE, and the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform. As part of the programme, students delivered their research in a “3‑Minute Thesis” format, showcasing an impressive range of disaster‑focused topics including disaster law, risk assessment, infrastructure impacts, climate change, community preparedness, emergency response, and more.
This year’s keynote speakers represented the Dunedin City Council, Otago Regional Council, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the University of Otago. Their presentations prompted rich discussions on local hazard contexts, space weather, resilience, and navigating the PhD journey and beyond.
To conclude the symposium, participants visited Signal Hill and South Dunedin, a field excursion made even more memorable by the classic “Dunner Stunner” weather.

If you're a PhD student looking to get involved, keep an eye on Disastrous Doctorates' social media channels: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dd2026/

Senior Research Fellow Jen Purdie: Importing gas locks NZ into fossil fuels for longer – just as clean energy surges

Importing gas locks NZ into fossil fuels for longer – just as clean energy surges Even as the US steps back from Paris and New Zealand flirts with imported gas, the global energy transition is gathering speed.

Congratulations to Professor Priscilla (Cilla) Wehi, who has been made a Fellow of the British Ecological Society (BES) in recognition of her “outstanding contributions to ecology through research, teaching, leadership, policy and the practical application of ecological science.” Read more here:
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/otago-ecologist-made-afellow-of-the-british-ecological-society?fbclid=IwY2xjawPsvwpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-V749NfeIJ6D2mX45v_fD5lH4C3-SVzH47ZhLLmXZeBl6-WUGLV-rTKY7g0_aem_VNZBKOWnkjTdseJ0na_7XA

Otago ecologist made a Fellow of the British Ecological Society Otago ecologist Professor Priscilla (Cilla) Wehi says it is an honour to be made a Fellow of the British Ecological Society (BES), which she joined in because she wanted to meet “open and curious folks who were passionate about nature”.

Huge congratulations to everyone who has newly been promoted in the Division of Humanities, especially to our very own Professor Caroline Orchiston!

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga – fill the basket with knowledge 🙌 Ngā mihi nui to our kaimahi who have received an academic promotion, earned through commitment to and excellence in their work 🤩

Come February 2026 we will have eight new Professors, and seven new Associate Professors in Te Kete Aronui- Division of Humanities.

Pictured are our new Professors, from left, top row first:
⭐️Anaru Eketone, Āhua ā iwi - Social and Community Work
⭐️Anna High, Te Kaupeka Tātai Ture - Faculty of Law
⭐️Caroline Orchiston (Research Professor), Kā Rakahau o Te Ao Tūroa - Centre for Sustainability Research
⭐️Hugh Morrison, Te Kura Ākau Taitoka - College of Education
⭐️John Stenhouse, Kā Kōrero o Nehe- History
⭐️Marcelle Dawson, Te Taura Takata - Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology
⭐️Melanie Beres, Te Taura Takata - Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology
⭐️Sophie Bond, Te Iho Whenua - School of Geography

Read more about the areas of knowledge the 32 new Professors across the University bring to our communities: https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/otago-announces-32-new-professors

Calling Centre alumni! 📣
Wednesday 26th of November is our next all-in day. We would like to invite any former staff and students to join us for morning-tea at 10.45am - hope to see you there!

Thesis research just got sweeter 😋🍰

Thesis research just got sweeter 😋🍰 Earlier this week, our Graduate Research School held the Bake Your Thesis competition, challenging postgrad tauira to explain their research in cake form! There were some seriously creative entries. Shoutout to people's choice winner Kristina, runner-up Michelle, and overall winner Lucy! 🎉