Helen Nicholson is a New Zealand medical academic specialising in male reproductive health. She is a full professor and served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago between March 2023 and June 2024.
After a 1986 MD from the University of Bristol, Nicholson worked at that institution before moving to the University of Otago as full professor in 2000. Before becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor, she previously held positions as the head of the Department of Anatomy, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International).
Nicholson's speciality is male reproductive health, including prostate health. She also holds administrative roles and international outreach roles at a national and international level.
A 2016 study on medical students operating on themselves and each other gained international attention.
In March 2023, Nicholson took charge of the University of Otago as acting Vice-Chancellor after Vice-Chancellor David Murdoch took sick leave. After Murdoch resigned as Vice-Chancellor in mid-June 2023, Nicholson continued in her position as acting Vice-Chancellor until a permanent replacement was found following a "global search." In July 2024, Hon Grant Robertson took over as Vice-Chancellor.