Rate My Professor Rebecca Coombes

Rebecca Coombes serves as the Research and Development Manager at the University of Otago's Christchurch campus within the Division of Health Sciences, based in the Dean's Office. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury and a Master of Veterinary Science from Massey University. Her association with the University of Otago dates back to at least 2013, when she was listed as the Māori Health Research Advisor in the university calendar. In her current role, she plays a key part in supporting and advancing research activities at the institution.

Rebecca Coombes oversees the development of research at the University of Otago Christchurch (UOC) and in collaboration with the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB). She manages the combined research office, ensuring smooth operations and providing support to research advisors who assist individual researchers. She addresses escalated issues within the office and emphasizes risk mitigation, strategic and process improvements, ethics-related queries, networking between researchers and funders, and the cultivation of research culture and capabilities. Furthermore, she administers the Summer Studentship programme, offering students hands-on research experience. As secretary for the UOC and CDHB research committees, she contributes to governance and decision-making in research matters. Her involvement extends to research management practices in District Health Boards (DHBs) and clinical trials across New Zealand, enhancing the national research landscape.