Sir David Skegg, former University of Otago Vice-Chancellor, was named this week as the next President of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Professor Skegg will begin his position at the Royal Society, an education and research charity for the advancement and promotion of science, technology and the humanities, on July 1.
After completing his stint as Vice-Chancellor in 2011, Prof. Skegg has continued to carry out specialised cancer research at Otago. His research has resulted in over 150 publications in academic journals, and an ongoing consultancy to the World Health Organization. In 2003 he was awarded the distinguished Research Medal by the University. The recognition of his highly successful career resulted in a knighthood in 2009.
While Prof. Skegg has said it was a surprise and an honour to be awarded the position at the Royal Society, current Otago Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Skegg would “bring a wealth of talent and experience to the role.” Hayne also recalled how “our university flourished under his leadership style”.
Prof. Skegg’s management of 20,000 rowdy Otago students is likely to stand him in good stead when he begins his position at the Royal Society, which represents roughly the same number of scientists, scholars, technicians and technologists. It is also rumoured that the Royal New Zealand Society won’t be having a street keg party any time soon.
Skegg takes his place in the world
