We would like to recognise the wonderful contributions of our OMRF Patron, Emeritus Professor Gil Barbezat, who has stepped down from the role at our AGM after 12 years.
Gil recently celebrated his investiture as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his outstanding services to Gastroenterology.
The OMRF Patron is an honorary appointment, recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to, or have a strong and longstanding connection with, the Foundation and its purpose - “the furtherance of medical research in Otago”.
Gil has gone above and beyond in his role as an ambassador for the OMRF and an advocate for medical research in Otago. As well as his 12 years as our Patron, Gil was also a member of the Foundation’s Scientific Committee from 1982-1993, including serving as Chair for three years.
You will have seen Gil at the majority of our fundraising events, usually accompanied by his lovely wife, Wyn. We are so grateful to Gil - and to Wyn - for their longstanding support of the Foundation, and are sure we will continue to see them at some of our future events. In recognition of this support, the OMRF Council will be awarding Gil with an OMRF Honorary Life Membership.
We are delighted that Distinguished Emeritus Professor Cliff Abraham has accepted the role of Patron which he formally took up at our AGM.
A recently retired neuroscientist who was based in the Psychology Department at the University of Otago, Cliff has had an incredible career. His research has included investigating the biomedical basis of memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Cliff’s research achievements have been recognised over many years, most recently with the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Rutherford Medal in 2025. Following this prestigious recognition, Cliff has been sharing his expertise with the public through seminars delivered around the country in 2025 and 2026.
Cliff has a strong connection to the OMRF, with some of his research in earlier years funded through OMRF grants. Cliff has also supervised several Summer Research Scholarship students.
We are delighted that Cliff has accepted this voluntary, honorary appointment and know that he will be a wonderful ambassador for the OMRF, continuing the tradition of advocacy and support that Gil has provided for so many years.
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