Department of Pathology & Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
Prof Margreet Vissers is a senior research scientist in the Centre for Free Radical Research at the University of Otago, Christchurch. She leads a team investigating vitamin C and its many functions in the body. Prof Vissers’ research has increased our understanding of the relationship between vitamin C and the regulation of cancer cell growth that is driven by hypoxia. In addition she has expertise in oxidant stress which contributes to the diseases of aging, heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Antioxidants, including vitamin C, protect against these conditions and Prof Vissers’ research extends our understanding of the roles of food-based antioxidants for good health and disease prevention.
Prof Vissers has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and received an Excellence in Research medal from the University of Otago, Christchurch in recognition of long-term high-level research achievement. She has an established international reputation for her research work and is regularly invited as a plenary speaker at national and international meetings. She maintains a high public profile for her work on vitamin C in cancer and in general health.