Michael Baker

Michael Baker is a 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.

Michael has a wide range of public health research interests, with a particular focus on infectious diseases, environmental health, housing and health, and public health communication.

He has been an active researcher and commentator on Covid-19 throughout the continuing pandemic. This work included science-based advocacy for the elimination strategy in 2020 and continuing research aimed at supporting a strong public health response to the pandemic. He was a member of the Government's Covid-19 Response Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

Michael's other positions include:
- Director, University of Otago Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre (HPARC)
- Director of the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa (PHCC)
- 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 World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination
- Board member, NZ Drug Foundation