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Three people are pictured at a symposium, two holding certificates.

BMS Postgraduate Symposium 2026 Ten Minute Talk winners, from left, Krittika Zutshi (Physiology), Andy Stewart (Physiology and Anatomy) and BMS Head of Faculty Professor Julia Horsfield. Not present is Melany Malcolm (Anatomy).

One of the highlights of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) calendar is its student-lead research symposium, showcasing how biomedical research is being used to address real-life problems.

The Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Postgraduate Symposium brought together Honours, Masters and PhD students from the Departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, and Physiology to share their research with the Faculty.

An impressive 78 students presented posters or talks at the symposium on a diverse range of topics from the genetics of kākā to how different neurons time the onset of puberty.

BMS Associate Dean Research Associate Professor Rosie Brown says the standard of presentations and posters were exceptional.

“This amazing day of student-led research showcases the talent of our early career researchers, the technical capability of the Faculty, and how our research is being used to address real-life problems.

"The Symposium is definitely a highlight in our calendar each year.

"It was a privilege to work with the Organising Committee to bring together the 2026 Symposium. The student representatives from each Department did a fantastic job of organising guest speakers, reviewing abstracts, sorting the programme, and chairing all the sessions,” Rosie says.

Four people are pictured at a symposium, three with certificates.

BMS Postgraduate Symposium 2026 Three Minute Talks winners, from left, Yuki Teh (Physiology), Pragya Bradu (Biochemistry) and Luis Lim (Anatomy) with BMS Head of Faculty Professor Julia Horsfield.

Congratulations to all those who took part and to the prize-winners:

Three Minute Talks

Luis Lim (Anatomy)

Pragya Bradu (Biochemistry)

Yuki Teh (Physiology)

Ten Minute Talks

Andy Stewart (Physiology and Anatomy)

Krittika Zutshi (Physiology)

Melany Malcolm (Anatomy)

Outstanding Posters

Jordan Cohen-Ronen (Biochemistry)

Vivienne Saunders (Physiology)

Sam Gavin (Physiology)

Caitlin MacRae (Physiology)

Kōrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences - Te Kaupeka Mātai Rokoā-Koiora

Four people are pictured at a symposium, three with certificates.

BMS Postgraduate Symposium 2026 Outstanding Poster winners, from left, Sam Gavin (Physiology), Vivienne Saunders (Physiology), Jordan Cohen-Ronen (Biochemistry), with BMS Head of Faculty Professor Julia Horsfield. Not present is Caitlin MacRae (Physiology).

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