Infectious Disease Research Centre launched

Massey University’s Infectious Disease Research Centre was officially launched at an event at the Manawatu campus last night.

The centre will bring together researchers from across the University to combat infectious diseases that pose a threat to health, biosecurity and trade.

Massey Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey said the centre showcases one of the University’s major strengths.

“We face enormous risks going into this 21st century, with intensification of land use and population growth, so the work you do is extraordinarily important. When I read through the names involved in the centre I see a stunning, world-class group of people. It really represents the very best of this University.”

Centre director Professor Nigel French gave an overview of the research groups that would make up the centre, while representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Primary Industries spoke of the importance of infectious disease research to New Zealand.

The launch is part of a two-day symposium featuring addresses from the principal investigators of the research groups that make up the centre, and keynote addresses from leading international researchers in the field of infectious disease.