Public Talks 2025
Health for your Heart and Head

Free public talks presented by the University of Otago Christchurch

Cardiac Health: What becomes of the broken hearted? 

Are you in good heart? Hear from the University of Otago, Christchurch’s, leading researchers and clinicians as they explain the latest promising cardiac trials and treatments. From world-leading blood test developments fast-tracking heart attack diagnosis; an innovative procedure being trialled for atrial fibrillation; new drug trials raising fresh hope for congestive heart failure; and the future of epigenetics – will heart treatment soon be tailor-made individually for you?

Our speakers: Professor Martin Than, Associate Professor Phil Adamson, Dr Nicola Scott, Associate Professor Anna Pilbrow.

Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Rolleston Lecture Theatre, University of Otago Christchurch, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch

* Talk's will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel here following the event.

Mental Health: AI, psychedelics and your brain

Could a virtual Artificial Intelligence “buddy” help treat your anxiety and phobia? Can hope for psychedelics to treat depression live up to the hype? Hear about the latest exciting research and treatments for mental health underway at the University of Otago, from simulated, AI ‘character actors’ to the use of ketamine, magic mushrooms and MDMA, the latest thinking on ADHD and “brain training” to beat depression. 

Our speakers: Dr Matthew Tennant; Associate Professor Ben Beaglehole; Associate Professor James Foulds, Associate Professor Katie Douglas

Date: Tuesday 24 June 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Rolleston Lecture Theatre, University of Otago Christchurch, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch