Sixteen University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have received $2.8 million of Health Research Council funding to advance their careers.
The mix of fellowships, and grants and scholarships for Māori and Pacific researchers were announced today.
The funding will enable research into topics as varied as concussion, vaccines, eating disorders and homelessness.
Dr Emma Wade, of the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, has received a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship, worth almost $600,000, to study how genes contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.
She says the condition is incredibly common in women, but its incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand is poorly understood and effective treatments are lacking.
Professor Richard Blaikie
“My project will use genomics here in Aotearoa, along with large international datasets, to uncover novel genes that contribute to the tissue strength of the pelvic floor.
“Knowledge of critical proteins will be used to develop smart, biological drugs to strengthen healing of connective tissue in pelvic organ prolapse, and other connective tissue disorders.”
Dr Wade hopes by recruiting and researching prolapse in Aotearoa, she will be able to deliver much needed outreach and support to all women, including those who may avoid medical care for the condition.
“Women’s health research is neglected, especially for conditions that primarily affect older women. I think it’s important we have dedicated research programmes that address women’s health.
“This Fellowship is an important step in addressing knowledge gaps around the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse and exploring targeted treatments. I’m incredibly grateful the HRC is supporting this work,” she says.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie congratulates each of the grant recipients on their success.
“This funding is testament to the calibre of emerging scientists we have at Otago. It is encouraging the Health Research Council is supporting their careers, enabling them to pursue such a wide range of studies into such important topics,” he says.
General Career Development Awards
Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship: Dr Emma Wade, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, $599,917
Finding the POP factor: The genetics of pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), or the herniation of the pelvic organs into the vagina, is an incredibly common condition in women. Its incidence in Aotearoa is poorly understood and effective treatments are lacking. This project will use genomics here in Aotearoa, and large international datasets, to uncover novel genes that contribute to the tissue strength of the pelvic floor. By recruiting wāhine in Aotearoa, Dr Wade will be able to link genetic changes to protein expression in the pelvic floor and develop an understanding of POP here in Aotearoa. Knowledge of critical proteins will be used to develop smart, biological drugs to strengthen healing of connective tissue in POP, and other conditions. Her POP research here in Aotearoa will also deliver much needed outreach and support to all women, who may avoid medical care for POP. Dr Wade’s aspiration is to lead genomics-driven solutions for connective tissue disorders in Aotearoa.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: Dr David Lewis, Department of Medicine, Wellington, $260,000
Complication rates and metabolic health in young adults with type 2 diabetes
As a scientist and endocrinologist, Dr Lewis is undertaking a PhD which will develop his research skills and expand future opportunities both in research and academics. His aim is to see whether New Zealanders with early onset type 2 diabetes have more complications – such as damage to the eyes or kidneys – and a worse health profile than those diagnosed later in life. The primary study will assess 60 people aged 18-40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five to 10 years prior and compare them to a group diagnosed when aged over 50. Rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing in children and young adults, the few studies that have been done show higher complication rates, worse blood glucose control and higher mortality, the earlier the diagnosis. This research will improve understanding of early onset type 2 diabetes and inform local practice for GPs and endocrinologists in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nishal Pinto, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Christchurch,$203,835
A study to investigate the effects of nocebo on cognitive recovery after mTBI
Nishal is a clinical psychologist specialising in neuropsychology and is currently working towards his PhD. His research focuses on cognitive recovery after mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). mTBI, commonly known as concussion, is receiving increased global attention and is now considered more harmful to health than previously thought. While many individuals recover without complications, research consistently identifies a group that experiences prolonged recoveries and persistent symptoms, including cognitive symptoms. Beliefs and recovery expectations about mTBI have been shown to influence outcomes, but these factors have not been applied to understand cognitive recovery. This project aims to investigate the factors influencing individuals’ cognitive recovery after mTBI, specifically focusing on people’s understanding of cognitive recovery, known as nocebo effects. Understanding and addressing nocebo effects could be crucial in improving treatment outcomes.
Melanie Millier, Department of Microbiology and Immunology,$220,000
Measles-specific cellular immune responses to inhaled MMR vaccine
Meanie works in allied health as Clinical Trail Coordinator for the MAXXED study, a randomised controlled trial investigating efficacy of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine when administered using alternative routes of delivery in young adults – aerosol inhalation and intradermal microneedle injection. Waning vaccine-acquired immunity to measles in young adults is a growing concern in Aotearoa New Zealand as 20–29-year-olds made up about one-third of cases in the 2019 measles outbreak, including 12 per cent fully vaccinated. Cell mediated immune responses have not been previously assessed in young adults receiving inhaled MMR. Having recently enrolled in a PhD programme for new research training, this project will add a cellular immunology analysis to a sub cohort of the MAXXED clinical trial. Melanie will investigate measles-specific T cell MMR responses in study participants to expand overall understanding of the immunogenicity and kinetics of measles immunity conferred by novel routes of vaccine administration to help inform future vaccination strategies.
Clara Fergus, Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch, $260,000
The impact of AID on dietary behaviour and health outcomes across the lifespan
Clara is a Diabetes Dietitian at Te Whatu Ora in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, specifically working as the Adolescent and Young Adult Diabetes Dietitian. Her PhD aims to evaluate the impact of diet on Automated Insulin Delivery systems. This research area is novel as it seeks to explore the role of nutrition therapy in optimising insulin pump therapy for diverse populations with diabetes, including minority ethnic groups such as Māori and Pacific peoples, and the elderly. People with Type 2 diabetes are underrepresented in research with automated insulin delivery. Challenges and enablers to achieving optimal glycaemic control are unknown. This project intends to investigate the acceptance and potential of such therapies to reduce health inequalities in Aotearoa.
Māori Health Research Career Development Awards
Māori Health PhD Scholarship: Sheree Tikao-Harkess, School of Physiotherapy,$101,050
Reconceptualising Musculoskeletal care from a Māori worldview
The health system of Aotearoa New Zealand is not meeting the needs of Māori. The injury and rehabilitation realm of health is no exception. It is a responsibility enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and national legislation such as the Pae ora (Healthy futures) Act 2022 to provide equitable, culturally appropriate and responsive health services. One way of addressing these challenges in service delivery, is to explore how best Indigenous practices such as rokoā, and a western practice such as physiotherapy can better support injury prevention, care and rehabilitation. Therefore, this study will use a kaupapa Māori approach to explore the intersection between physiotherapy and Rokoā Māori to reconceptualise musculoskeletal care from a Māori worldview.
Nasya Thompson, Department of Surgery, (UOC), Christchurch, $141,275
The impact of a major cancer diagnosis on wellbeing of patients and their whānau
This PhD project aims to investigate the broad impacts of major cancer diagnoses on patients and their whānau, focusing on lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and glioblastoma cancers. The research aims to understand how these cancers affect quality of life, economic stability, and social well-being within Māori and other underrepresented communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture both measurable and personal impacts. By integrating kaupapa Māori methodologies and health equity theories, the goal is to develop a comprehensive metric for assessing cancer’s effects, guiding targeted healthcare policies and practices. This research aligns with the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029, aiming to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for Māori and all communities affected by cancer.
Māori Health Development Grant: Mau Clark, Māori Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI), Christchurch, $10,000
Ngā Māuiui Kai in Kaupapa Māori Services: Kaimahi & Whaiora perspectives
Māori experience disordered eating. Population studies identified this more than 20 years ago and, more recently, Māori have been underrepresented in secondary eating disorder services. This underrepresentation is due to systemic barriers including service location, limited inpatient availability, clinician bias, and unique eating disorder assessment methods. These barriers have led to a cohort of Māori seeking help from kaupapa Māori services. This project is the first to explore eating disorders within a kaupapa Māori service, focusing on perspectives from kaimahi and tangata whaiora. The findings from these wānanga aim to identify the extent of the issue and necessary resources to support kaimahi and tangata whaiora. The outcomes will provide insights with the potential to inform other kaupapa Māori services and establish a foundation for future research, identifying key areas for further study and guiding subsequent investigations to improve health outcomes for Māori communities.
Mau Clark, Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI), Christchurch, $10,000
Outreach primary healthcare for Māori experiencing homelessness
The life expectancy of Māori is lower when compared to our European counterparts, 73.4 years for Māori men, 80.9 years for non-Māori men, a difference of seven years. For wāhine Māori, it is 77.1 years, compared to non-Māori women with 84.4 years. The mean age of death for people experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand is 45.7 years. A further reduced life expectancy of 30 years. A recent study found that 75 per cent of deaths were preventable by timely and effective healthcare interventions. This study investigates the feasibility of an outreach primary healthcare service as an effective method for increased healthcare engagements and improved healthcare quality for Māori experiencing homelessness. The project will engage with community partners identified to have a vested interest in the health and well-being of Māori experiencing homelessness.
Māori Health Research Knowledge Translation Grant: Dr Miriama Ketu-McKenzie, Department of Psychology, $5,000
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention for wāhine Māori
This project disseminates findings from research showing that a culturally enhanced mindfulness-based intervention led to improvements in both physical and mental health for Māori women.
Pacific Health Research Career Development Awards
Pacific Health Research Masters Scholarship: Noah Kelly-Foleni, Department of Pathology, $30,873
Impacts of the TP53 X126 splice mutation on lung cancer progression
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in New Zealand and disproportionately impacts Pasifika and Māori communities. Pasifika and Māori have a two- and three-times higher mortality rate compared to New Zealand Europeans. The TP53 gene is a tumour suppressing gene involved in DNA repair, programmed cell death, and metabolic function. When this gene mutates these functions can become dysregulated and cause more aggressive cancer development. TP53 X126 splice mutation in tumour cells has been associated with poorer patient outcomes compared to other more common TP53 mutations. Studies into TP53 splice mutations are limited, therefore, this project aims to investigate how the X126 splice mutation contributes to lung cancer development, add knowledge to TP53 splice mutations, and add to understanding of lung cancer development to help alleviate the high burden of lung cancer in Pasifika and Māori communities.
Pacific Health Research PhD scholarship: Katrina Sharlott, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, $127,000
Reconceptualising physical literacy for Cook Islands Māori
Physical literacy is a rising concept in health promotion, offering a nuanced and holistic approach to incorporating physical activity across the lifespan. Despite its potential, the discourse on physical literacy has notably overlooked the inclusion of Pacific voices and Indigenous perspectives to date. Cultural relevancy is critical to the success of health promotion strategies, as beliefs, values, and cultural background significantly influence a population’s reception of health messages. The purpose of this research is to develop a reconceptualised framework for understanding physical literacy within a Cook Island context. This will enable the creation of effective and culturally appropriate health promotion strategies underpinned by physical literacy. A Cook Islands Māori perspective and research framework is adopted to conduct this research and guide the methodology.
Michaela Peters, Kōhatu – Centre for Hauora Māori,$142,550
Tagata i le Moana: Navigating Pacific health professional’s journeys
Pacific peoples in New Zealand face significant health disparities compared to other populations. Improving their health outcomes requires a Pacific health workforce that understands their unique needs. This research aims to understand the contributions and experiences of Pacific health professionals in New Zealand and the Pacific region. It seeks to describe their geographic distribution, community involvement, leadership roles, career motivations, and the support they receive during training and employment. The study will involve a literature review, online survey, and semi-structured interviews with Pacific health professionals who graduated from New Zealand-based tertiary institutions. The findings will help inform policies to improve the recruitment, retention, and support of Pacific health professionals, with the aim of contributing to improve Pacific health outcomes. By understanding the experiences of Pacific health professionals, this research aims to enhance their representation in the health workforce and improve the overall health of Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
Amanaki Misa, Doctor of Business Administration Programme, $46,383
Pacific children engagement in the Christchurch Community Oral Health Service
Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand have had a history of not engaging in the health systems whether primary, secondary or tertiary. This research project focuses on the government funded oral health services provided by the hospital system to all New Zealanders including disadvantaged communities such as Pacific families in the Canterbury region. Data from Canterbury’s Community Dental Service Division shows that enrolled Pacific children have the highest missed appointment rates. Out of all the Pacific ethnic groups, missed appointment rates of Tongan children were among the highest in the region. This research will hone in on Tongan families in Canterbury whose children are enrolled in the system, and yet, seem to disengage by not attending scheduled appointments dictated by the system.
Eliana Viali, School of Physiotherapy, $142,550
Caregiving relationships within Samoan families
While rates of stroke are steadily declining in New Zealand European populations, stroke rates are rising in Pacific populations with Pacific people. Samoan families are 1.9 times more likely than their European counterparts to be unpaid carers for a member of their household that is ill or has a disability. Within a Samoan way of life, binaries of caregiving and care receiving are complicated by a number of factors. These relational aspects of Samoan families who care for family members with stroke will be explored in this study.
Pacific Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship: Dr Taulaga Auva’a-Alatin, Department of Psychology,$577,481
Scaling up Loto Malie, a Pacific-indigenous youth mental health intervention
Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand are less likely to seek psychological help due to stigma and there is a scarcity of research on psychological approaches that are culturally relevant for Pacific youth. Hence, the development of Loto Malie, a cultural clinical mental health intervention based on a relational framework of connection for grounding mental health tools. The effectiveness and scaling up Loto Malie to benefit other Pacific ethnic-specific groups will be a focal point of the study. The aim of the research is to strengthen Pacific youth mental wellbeing and grow the Pacific community leadership capability and capacity for workforce development. Therefore, a fundamental aspect of this research is to upskill and provide training to Pacific community leaders who have utilised Loto Malie, to ensure the target population (youth) has access to culturally appropriate interventions to improve mental health outcomes for Pacific people.
Pacific Health Research Knowledge Translation Grant: Jekope Maiono, Department of Management, $4,992
Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) RSE workers and Hazardous Substance Material: Knowledge, Guidelines and Use
Labour mobility is a significant topic in international relations, particularly as countries like New Zealand seek solutions to workforce shortages. Industries that rely on physical labour and often involve working with hazardous substances are struggling to attract workers. This study examines three key aspects of the Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act 1996 (NZ) in relation to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme: protecting business operators, ensuring the safety of Indigenous iTaukei workers, and preserving the environment. Using a culturally sensitive approach called the 3D veivosaki method, researchers collected data from iTaukei workers in Central Otago and Oamaru, areas that have recently experienced an influx of RSE workers. One hundred iTaukei workers—fifty from each region—voluntarily participated in the survey. The findings reveal that most of these workers are unaware of their rights regarding the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
