Michael Baker

Michael Baker is Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. He is a trained doctor, public health physician, and Professor in the Department of Public Health.

He has a wide range of public health research interests, with a particular focus on infectious diseases, environmental health, and housing.
During 2020 he was very involved in shaping the New Zealand response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including being a science-informed advocate for the elimination strategy.

His other positions include:
- Director, University of Otago Health Environment Infection Research Unit (HEIRU)
- Director of the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa
- Co-Director of He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme
- Co-Director, University of Otago Public Health Summer School
- Convenor, University of Otago Health Protection paper (PUBH734)
- Member of the Ministry of Health Covid-19 Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
- Member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination
- Board member, NZ Drug Foundation