Professor Debbie Hay
After 18 years at the University of Auckland, Debbie moved to the University of Otago in 2020. Research in the Hay laboratory focuses on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These proteins are the cellular targets of natural hormones and are some of the most important drug targets. Her research aims to contribute to the development of medicines to treat migraine, among other conditions. Debbie is passionate about raising the profile of migraine in New Zealand and improving the lives of patients who have this condition.
Professor Hay obtained her BSc in pharmacology from Sheffield University, followed by her PhD from Imperial College London. She has held a James Cook Research Fellowship (Royal Society of New Zealand) and is a Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society. Professor Hay is currently an Editor of the British Journal of Pharmacology, an NC-IUPHAR corresponding member, and is Chair of the NC-IUPHAR subcommittee on calcitonin family receptors. She has won awards for research, teaching and service to her discipline. These include the Novartis Prize for published work from the British Pharmacological Society (2013) and the British Journal of Pharmacology Editor Performance Award (2016).
ORCID ID:0000-0002-9558-5122