Professor David Fergusson, the Director of the renowned Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) is reported to have been honored with the University of Otago's highest research award, the Distinguished Research Medal.

The professor has given over three-and-a-half decades for the internationally recognized study.

The research involved over 1,265 people born in Christchurch in 1977.

Professor Fergusson hails to extend his precious contributions to the international literature over a wide array of issues related to human health and development, Vice-Chancellor Professor David Skegg posted.

"David Fergusson's record of research publication is notable for its high quality, volume and impact. During his career at Otago, he has written more than 530 research papers, books and reports carefully investigating the factors that influence health and well-being in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood”, he added.

Professor Fergusson various research publications included topics as psychology, paediatrics, psychiatry, public health, and sociology.

Topics as breastfeeding and IQ, cannabis use, early intervention for vulnerable children, domestic violence, abortion and mental health, suicidal behavior, and the aftermaths of childhood sexual abuse on mental health of the child, adorn the long list of the research.

Besides, he had lent his exceptionally new insights in other subject areas as well.