Professor David Murdoch has been appointed to a key leadership role at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research.
Professor David Murdoch has been appointed as ESR’s Chief Scientist, one of the most senior roles at the institute.
A Distinguished Professor at our Christchurch campus, David is a world leader in the study, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. He has advised the Oxford University vaccine group and the New Zealand government on Covid-19.
ESR – the Institute of Environmental Science and Research – specialises in science that safeguards the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s people. It has a critical role in the surveillance of infectious diseases, water and food safety, and also provides forensic science to support the country’s justice system.
As part of the review of the sciences sector, ESR is changing from a Crown Research Institute to a Public Research Organisation. David says it’s a very exciting time to be part of ESR as it moves to become a new, more agile organisation focused on national health security and forensics.
“Indeed, the chance to have a key leadership role in the transformation of a critical science organisation was a major attraction to take on the job, working closely with our Chief Executive, Ashley Bloomfield.
“We have an amazing team and are focused on ensuring New Zealand is better prepared for future pandemics and other public health threats.”
David was appointed to the Chief Scientist role in January, having been the Interim Chief Science Advisor since March 2024. He remains a Distinguished Professor at Otago.