Rate My Professor Rachel Elliot

Dr Rachel Elliot is the Senior Research Advisory Manager and Kaiwhakahaere Matua Ārahi Rangahau in the Research and Enterprise Office at the University of Otago, based at the Centre for Innovation, 87 St David Street, Dunedin. She joined the University in August 2006 and has held her current position since November 2018. In her role, she manages a team of research advisory staff who support University researchers in applying for and securing external funding, provide guidance on funding mechanisms and University processes, and facilitate communications with funders and sponsors. Additionally, she serves as Business Development Manager for research consortia, promoting partnerships and strategic collaborations. Her work contributes to the strategic imperative for research excellence led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise). Dr Elliot participates actively in the Aotearoa New Zealand research ecosystem, maintaining strong relationships with funders, sponsors, researchers, and professional staff across institutions.

Recognized for her exceptional performance, Dr Elliot received the 2023 University of Otago Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff. The award commended her as an outstanding facilitator of research, drawing on her own prior research experience to understand researchers' needs and the research process comprehensively. Her visionary approach, strategic judgement, strong commitment, and dedication beyond the call of duty have propelled the University to remarkable milestones in research funding and impact. She brings balanced counsel to negotiations, instills calm in tense situations, and employs a management style that empowers her team to excel. Embodying values of mana manāki, tautoko takata, and aroha tētahi ki tēahi, her leadership has enabled impactful scientific contributions benefiting Aotearoa and the world. Previously associated with the Centre for Innovation, she co-authored the 2004 paper 'Inhibition of foodborne bacteria by the lactoperoxidase system in a beef cube system' published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, investigating antimicrobial effects on pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef under various storage conditions. A highlight of her career is witnessing the breadth of excellent research at Otago and its potential societal benefits.