Rate My Professor Frank (J. F. T.) Griffin

Emeritus Professor Frank (J. F. T.) Griffin is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Otago. An Irish-born scholar, he obtained his BA and PhD from the University of Dublin, with his primary degree in microbiology and doctoral work in reproductive immunology. His career at Otago has focused on applied and molecular immunology related to animal diseases. Professor Griffin established the Disease Research Laboratory in 1985, now Disease Research Limited under Otago Innovation Limited, and directed the Ag@Otago research theme to advance agriculture-related research across disciplines.

Professor Griffin's research has significantly influenced New Zealand's livestock sector, particularly deer farming, by developing diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis and Johne's disease since 1990, and a yersiniosis vaccine registered in 1992, saving the industry $80-90 million. His studies include genetic resistance to Mycobacterium bovis in red deer, immune mechanisms differentiating resistant and susceptible animals, mycobacterial diseases, and BCG vaccine optimization. Prominent publications are "Stress and immunity: a unifying concept" (Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 1989; 441 citations), "Mycobacterial diseases of deer" (New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 2004; 204 citations), and "Vaccine protocols to optimise the protective efficacy of BCG" (Tubercle and Lung Disease, 1999). He has provided international expertise on wildlife tuberculosis for Kruger National Park and Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission. Awards include Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the 2010 Pickering Medal for technological innovations, and the 2016 School of Biomedical Sciences Commercialisation Researcher Award. He retired in 2016 but continues contributing to research.