Rate My Professor Charles Brennan

Professor Charles Brennan serves as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) at the University of Otago, having assumed the role effective March 2026. He is an internationally recognised scientist whose career spans three decades at leading tertiary institutions across the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Brennan's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Applied Plant Science from Wye College, London, and a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from King’s College London. Before joining the University of Otago, he held the position of Chief Scientific Director of the Food and Nutrition Hub at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. In this capacity, he led high-impact research initiatives, mentored emerging scientists, and fostered collaborative research cultures that were deeply engaged with industry partners. Throughout his professional journey, Brennan has occupied several leadership roles, spearheading transformative initiatives, mentoring students, and building high-performing collaborative environments. His career began at Wye College, and he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and relationship-building skills supported by extensive international and industry connections.

The core of Professor Brennan's academic work lies at the interface of food science, biochemistry, and human nutrition, with a particular emphasis on bioactive ingredients and their contributions to human health and wellbeing. His expertise encompasses transforming theoretical knowledge into applied solutions that drive innovation and support a knowledge-based economy. Brennan is a Fellow of a number of learned societies and serves as Editor-in-Chief of two Journal Citation Reports (JCR) academic journals. In his current role within the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago, he is committed to upholding the university's legacy of research excellence. He aims to strengthen industry partnerships, accelerate innovation, and advance research that provides tangible benefits for communities, businesses, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s future prosperity. Through these efforts, Brennan continues to leverage his deep expertise in food science and nutrition to enhance the global standing of Otago's scientific endeavours.