Health Research Showcase

The value and contribution of the country’s leading health researchers are to be introduced first-hand to New Zealanders in a road-show that will tour the country over the next 24 months.

Launching at Parliament today, the universities of Auckland and Otago have decided to introduce many of New Zealand’s world recognised researchers to their fellow New Zealanders in a bid to bring home the importance of the work they do.

Among the researchers speaking at Parliament are Professor Bill Denny who has developed eight cancer drugs to clinical trial and is one of the country’s most decorated scientists. Professor Parry Guilford works in cancer genetics and like Professor Denny, has taken his research into successful commercial companies.

University of Auckland Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Distinguished Professor Jane Harding says New Zealand’s health research is world class and provides a pipeline of research knowledge and expertise.

“Research is the foundation on which all innovation, efficiency and commercial success relies and our health researchers provide this foundation,” she says.

University of Otago Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Professor Richard Blaikie points out that university health research populates New Zealand’s science, food and primary industry institutions and businesses with trained staff.

He says “it is also important for us to have research-trained clinicians here who can assess the quality of overseas research and direct its safe clinical application in the New Zealand setting.”

Health Minister Hon Tony Ryall will launch the road-show at Parliament during which five cancer researchers will speak briefly about their areas of research. Variations of this event involving different areas of health research and a range of researchers will be held in major centres through to 2014.