Eric Espiner holds a personal professorship in the Department of Medicine of the University of Otago, Christchurch. He qualified in medicine at the University of Otago, Dunedin, and completed his doctorate (MD) in the course of studies on the regulation of cortisol secretion. After further postgraduate training in London (UK) and Boston (USA), Professor Espiner returned to Christchurch New Zealand as Head of Endocrine Services. His research field has been the neuro-hormonal control of blood pressure, and the role of natriuretic peptides in pathophysiology. More recently he has focused on C- type Natriuretic Peptide and how its measurement in tissues and fluids may illuminate the role of this growth factor in human pathophysiology. Among other awards, Professor Espiner was elected to Fellowship of The Royal Society (NZ) in 1992, and received The University of Otago, Christchurch Gold Medal for Research Excellence in 2007.