Published by Communications and Development

23 December 2004

An international authority on respiratory diseases has been appointed the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Canterbury.

Professor Ian Town, Dean of Medicine and Health Science at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, will take up the appointment early in April.

Professor Town has more than 20 years experience in academia, health research and medicine.

An internationally recognised researcher in respiratory diseases, Professor Town has a MBChB from Otago University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southampton. He joined the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1990 and has held the position of Dean since 2002.

He is the Medical Director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, a former Director of the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians.

Professor Town has been closely involved in joint projects between Canterbury and Otago universities such as the Brain Research Institute and was responsible for initiating a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two universities earlier this year.

In 2001 he was awarded the Margaret Condliffe Memorial Prize from the University of Canterbury in recognition of his efforts at building academic collaborations in the region.

Announcing the appointment, Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Sharp said Professor Town had been chosen from an impressive field of candidates after a world-wide recruitment process.

“I am confident he will continue the strong momentum the University has achieved in the last two years, particularly in the research portfolio for which he has primary responsibility.

“His experience in the New Zealand university sector and his proven leadership in research, teaching and administration suit him well to the DVC role,” Professor Sharp said.

Professor Town takes over from Professor Bob Kirk whose retirement takes effect at the end of January.

For further information contact:
Professor Roy Sharp,
phone 364-8989, ext 8858,
roy.sharp@canterbury.ac.nz