Te Rōpū Rangahau ō te Kāhui Matepukupuku / The Cancer Society Research Collaboration Aotearoa New Zealand (TRRKM) is a Cancer Society of New Zealand-funded collaboration which draws together leading cancer researchers in a comprehensive research programme on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and support.
The 2025-2030 research programme will carry out research that can support the Cancer Society of New Zealand’s advocacy and hence contribute to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, improving cancer outcomes, and reducing cancer-related inequities across the cancer continuum. Specific research themes for the programme include: cancer prevention (progressing smoke-free Aotearoa, reducing ultraviolet radiation, improving nutrition, reducing obesity and alcohol-related harm), and improving cancer early-detection, treatment, and supportive care.
Collaboration members and leadership
Our collaboration links staff from three University of Otago campuses (Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington), four major cancer research groups based at the University of Otago, and benefits from their associates, advisers, and international networks:
- ASPIRE Aotearoa
- The Cancer and Chronic Conditions Research Group
- The Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit
- The Social and Behavioural Research Unit
The leadership team consists of eight directors:
- Professor Louise Signal, Department of Public Health
- Dr Bronwen McNoe, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Co-Director of the Social and Behavioural Research Unit
- Jeannine Stairmand, Department of Public Health
- Professor Christopher Jackson, Department of Medicine
- Dr Jerram Bateman, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine
- Professor Richard Edwards, Flinders University
- Shane Kawenata Bradbrook
- Dr Rana Peniamina, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine
Visit Our people for more about our directors.
Expert Advisory Board
Working in partnership with the directors, the Expert Advisory Board provides an external overview of our strategic approach.
Our commitment to Mātauranga Māori
TRRKM will seek to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in how we are organised and operate (through appropriate Māori leadership, partnership, and engagement) and through research that is designed to address inequity. We have Māori leadership from Jeannine Stairmand (Director of Māori Health and Equity) and Shane Bradbrook (Community Director), along with Associate Professor Christina McKerchar (Nutrition Advocacy Lead).