The University of Waikato has appointed Professor Natalie Hughes as Head of School, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, in Te Wānanga Waiora - Division of Health.
Professor Natalie Hughes
Professor Hughes joins the University from the University of Otago, where she is currently a Professor in the School of Pharmacy.
Professor Hughes brings more than 20 years of academic and leadership experience. During her time at Otago, she has served as the School of Pharmacy Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programmes for 13 years and Associate Dean (Academic) for five years. In these roles, she has led taught programmes across areas including staffing, programme delivery, continuous quality improvement, the introduction of new programmes, and student recruitment and engagement.
A highly regarded multidisciplinary researcher, Professor Hughes’s expertise spans drug delivery, drug and biomarker analysis, pharmacokinetics, and clinical trials. She has a strong track record of impact in both healthcare and commercialisation with more than 100 publications and three major patents.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from Massey University, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy and PhD from the University of Otago.
Professor Hughes says she’s delighted to be appointed to lead Aotearoa’s newest School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waikato during an exciting period of growth for the Division of Health.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Waikato team to build on their innovative foundations in pharmacy and biomedical sciences education and to extend our impact through research and community engagement.
“Alongside the established schools in the Division of Health and the establishment of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, there is a unique opportunity to develop outstanding interprofessional learning that prepares graduates to deliver integrated, equitable, people-centred healthcare across Aotearoa.”
Professor Jo Lane, Pro Vice-Chancellor Health at the University of Waikato, says Professor Hughes’s appointment reflects the University’s continued focus on strengthening its health capability.
“Professor Hughes brings an outstanding combination of academic leadership, teaching excellence and research impact. Her experience will be instrumental as we continue to grow our health programmes and strengthen our contribution to the health workforce and communities across New Zealand.”
Professor Hughes begins her role on 1 July.
