Michael Baker
Professor Michael Baker is a public health physician, epidemiologist, and researcher in the Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington.
He has a long-term focus on identifying evidence-informed interventions to reduce the incidence and impact of acute rheumatic fever and other diseases causes by Strep A infections. Michael has led and contributed to multiple investigations of Strep A infections including descriptive epidemiology, record linkage, and case-control studies, frequently supported with immunological and other laboratory investigations.
Michael leads the Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre (HPARC) which is focused on infectious diseases and environmental health. The group has active research projects on rheumatic fever, Covid-19, respiratory infections, infectious disease surveillance, and drinking water quality. Michael took a leading role in shaping New Zealand’s Covid-19 pandemic response, particularly the elimination strategy, and is continuing to research optimal approaches to responding to emerging infectious diseases.
Michael has a strong interest in science communication and evidence translation. He directs the Public Health Communications Centre Aotearoa (PHCC), which actively disseminates evidence summaries and media commentary to increase the reach and impact of public health research by making it more accessible to the public and decision-makers. He serves on New Zealand and World Health Organization expert advisory committees concerned with infectious diseases.
Abstracts this author is presenting: