Inaugural Professorial Lecture –Professor Daryl Schwenke

Sympathetic to the heart of the Pacific
About Professor Schwenke's research:

Daryl Schwenke is a cardiovascular physiologist with a particular interest in neuro-endocrine control of the heart and vascular system in health and disease.

A graduate of the University of Otago, Daryl pursued an early research career in Japan where, using advanced scientific technologies including state-of-the-art Synchrotron Radiation microangiography, started a journey of identifying the physiological significance of a newly-discovered hormone, known as Ghrelin, on cardiovascular control.

Daryl subsequently returned to Otago, where he has continued to research and uncover the multifaceted mechanistic and therapeutic potential of Ghrelin in treating cardiac and vascular diseases.

Disruption of the endogenous Ghrelin pathway appears to be a significant contributor to the origin of several cardiovascular diseases and Daryl, who is of Samoan descent, continues to explore potential links between reduced levels of this cardio-protective hormone Ghrelin in Pacific peoples, and their increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.