08-05-2025
Alumnus returns to uni to speak at graduation ceremony
As one of the world's leading cardiac neurobiologists, Prof David Paterson will be very aware of his slightly elevated brain and heart activity when he gives the graduation address at the second of tomorrow's two University of Otago graduation ceremonies.
The Otago University graduate is now the University of Oxford physiology, anatomy and genetics department head and a Merton College Fellow.
His research focuses on the neural control of the cardiovascular system in normal and diseased states.
Cardiac neurobiology is the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, specifically focusing on the brain's influence on the heart.
Prof Paterson leads a cardiac neurobiology research team and the European component of a Leducq International Network of Excellence award, which studies heart arrhythmia and how both branches of the cardiac autonomic nervous system communicate at "the end organ level".
An world-renowned cardiac neurobiologist who spent his formative years in Dunedin will be recognised with one of the most esteemed awards from the University of Otago.
As well as giving an inspiring University of Otago graduation address, Prof Paterson will be given an honorary doctor of laws at tomorrow's ceremony.
"It is a great honour to receive an honorary degree from the university that laid the foundation for my subsequent academic career," he said.
"Although I have lived outside of New Zealand for 45 years, it is a thrill to return and retrace my journey from Dunedin, which started at Otago Boys' High School, then the University of Otago.
"When I look back, I can see my time at Otago as a schoolboy, athlete and undergraduate were formative years."
Prof Paterson graduated from Otago with a diploma in physical education in 1979, before going on to study at the University of Western Australia.
He completed his doctoral studies in physiological science at the University of Oxford in 1989, eventually becoming a member of the faculty.
Prof Paterson is an Honorary Fellow of The Physiological Society, Fellow of the American Physiological Society, Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Medicine, member of Academia Europaea, and an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Society of New Zealand.
He was inducted into the University of Otago School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences Wall of Fame in 2012.
Vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said he was proud of the fact Prof Paterson's career started at Otago.
"David is a very active member of our alumni community and takes a keen interest in Otago people and all that we do.
"We are always pleased to see our alumni making a difference in the world and he has certainly done that."
