Professor Michael Baker

Professor Michael Baker is a distinguished public health physician and professor at the University of Otago, Wellington. His passion lies in organizing society to bolster health, equity, and sustainability. Joining the University of Otago in 2003, Prof. Baker has since held notable positions, including the NZ-UK Link Foundation Visiting Professor in London (2015) and a visiting fellow at the Norwegian Centre for Advanced Study (2023).

Prof. Baker played a crucial role during the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-22), assisting in New Zealand's response as a member of the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 Technical Advisory Group. He spearheaded the Co-Search programme, producing significant research to improve pandemic management globally.

His research interests are diverse, focusing on infectious diseases, environmental health, and housing conditions. He has made substantial contributions to public health through his roles, including:

Director of the Health Environment Infection Research Unit (HEIRU)
Director of the Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC)
Co-Director of He Kainga Oranga / Housing and Health Research Programme
Principal Investigator of the SYMBIOTIC Programme

Recent Awards:

2022 Royal Society Callaghan Medal for science communication
2021 NZ Order of Merit for services to public health science
2020 Prime Minister's Science Communication Prize

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Lacey, J. A., Bennett, J., James, T. B., Hines, B. S., Chen, T., Lee, D., Sika-Paotonu, D., … Baker, M. G., … Moreland, N. J. (2024). A worldwide population of Streptococcus pyogenes strains circulating among school-aged children in Auckland, New Zealand: A genomic epidemiology analysis.
Baker, M., Bennett, J., Kerr, J., & Kvalsvig, A. (2023). Covid-19 is finishing the year on a high: We need a vigorous coordinated response.
Murray, C., Rose, S. B., Kvalsvig, A., & Baker, M. G. (2023). Key informant perspectives on a centralised contact tracing system for sexually transmitted infections.
Prickett, M., Macmillan, A., Wilson, N., Shaw, C., Cleghorn, C., Baker, M., & Hales, S. (2023). The policy bonfire of environment protection: 10 examples that threaten public health.
Telfar-Barnard, L., Baker, M. G., Wilson, N., & Howden-Chapman, P. (2023). The rise and fall of excess winter mortality in New Zealand from 1876 to 2020. International Journal of Biometeorology.

Prof. Baker's work exemplifies his dedication to public health, research, and effective communication, significantly influencing public health policies and practices in New Zealand and internationally.