Dr Ashley Bloomfield's next career move has been revealed - and he's making a jump to academia.
The University of Auckland says the former Director-General of Health has been appointed a professor at its School of Population Health.
There, he will lead the establishment of a new public policy impact institute as its inaugural chair, helping to translate and apply research into policies that directly impact communities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the role was a "natural progression" for Prof Bloomfield after his long career in public health, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Professor Bloomfield brings enormous experience to the university," she said in a statement on Monday.
"We look forward to him joining the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and also using his public policy expertise to build our new Public Policy Impact Institute."
As inaugural chair Prof Bloomfield will work as acting director across the University to develop the institute and ultimately recruit its first director.
Prof Bloomfield said he was looking forward to working alongside colleagues in the School of Population Health.
"The proposed Public Policy Impact Institute is a great opportunity to strengthen the link between the University's world-class research and the development and implementation of policy," he said.
"The intent is clear - to help improve a range of social and economic outcomes in Aotearoa with a strong focus on equity."
An Auckland University alumni, Prof Bloomfield previously worked at the World Health Organisation and the former Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley district health boards before his tenure as Director-General of Health.
He will begin his new role on January 31 2023.
