Prof Charles Brennan

Professor Charles Brennan is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sciences at the University of Otago and is an internationally recognised scientist with a career spanning three decades at leading institutions across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

He holds 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. His academic work has focused on the interface of food science, biochemistry and human nutrition, with particular emphasis on bioactive ingredients on human health and wellbeing. He is a fellow of a number of learned societies and serves as Editor in Chief of two JCR academic journals.

 Prior to joining Otago, Professor Brennan was at RMIT University in Melbourne, where he led high impact research, mentored emerging scientists, and fostered collaborative, industry engaged research cultures.

He is deeply motivated by Otago’s legacy of research excellence and is committed to strengthening industry partnerships, accelerating innovation, and driving research that delivers tangible benefits for communities, businesses, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s future prosperity.