Wai Ora set to boost cutting-edge health research

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka's new Wai Ora building, set to officially open next week, will significantly strengthen health research in Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing together state-of-the-art biomedical laboratories and a purpose-built Clinical Trials Unit to speed the journey from scientific discovery to improved patient care.

Approaching completion alongside the Ōtākaro Avon River in Christchurch, the eight-storey building has been designed to unite 1500 researchers, clinicians, educators and students in one collaborative environment, expanding the University's capacity for world-class biomedical research and clinical trials.

Faculty of Medicine Dean and Wai Ora Project Owner Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) says Wai Ora represents a major investment in the future of health research.

"Wai Ora has been designed to bring researchers, clinicians, educators and students together in a way that strengthens the pathway from discovery to patient care. By expanding our clinical trial capacity, we can offer communities greater access to emerging technologies, treatments, therapies and medicines that may not otherwise be available in New Zealand.

"The new building will allow the Ōtautahi campus to grow, increasing teaching spaces by 20 per cent, accommodating more postgraduate health students and students from other University courses as well," she says.

Occupying three floors of Wai Ora are more than 2,700 square metres of new Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) laboratories. The purpose-built research spaces will support biomedical and translational research across a wide range of health disciplines, with facilities for cell culture, genomic sequencing, advanced microscopy, biomarker discovery, mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and emerging bioengineering technologies, including bioprinting.

Associate Dean Research Professor Logan Walker says the laboratories have been designed to support every stage of modern biomedical research while encouraging collaboration across disciplines.

"These laboratories provide researchers with world-class facilities to investigate disease at the molecular and cellular level, develop new diagnostic tools and therapies, and translate discoveries into better health outcomes.

"The laboratories have been designed not only for today's research, but to support the technologies and collaborations that will shape the future of biomedical science,” he says.

Professor Walker says while the primary users will be University researchers and students, the facilities also present exciting opportunities to work alongside industry, health providers and research organisations.

Connecting directly with the laboratory floors is Wai Ora's new Clinical Trials Unit, purpose-built to translate laboratory discoveries into studies involving patients.

The second-floor facility includes dedicated consultation rooms, therapy spaces and specialised clinical research areas, alongside a new Simulation Centre featuring a six-bed mock hospital ward and four consultation rooms for student teaching and professional training.

Head of the Department of Psychological Medicine Professor Richard Porter says the dedicated research environment will transform the University's ability to undertake mental health research.

"It is a purpose-built space with soundproofed interview rooms, rooms for group therapy and spaces to conduct biological measures, such as our new detailed analysis of the retina in mental health conditions. It is a well-designed, state-of-the-art facility."

The unit will host studies investigating psychological treatments for depression and bipolar disorder, ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression, and rongoā Māori treatments for eating disorders. Studies into circadian rhythms, menopause and cognitive function in mental health conditions, and the internationally recognised Christchurch Health and Development Study will also take place in the unit.

"It is a space for the whole medical faculty to use. There are lots of ideas, and what is done there will depend primarily on which groups are able to secure funding," Professor Porter says.

Professor Martin de Bock from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health says the new clinical research facilities will also strengthen Christchurch's reputation as a destination for high-quality clinical trials.

"This area is an investment into clinical research and building the University of Otago, Christchurch as an attractive place to run clinical trials. Trial groups come and go, but the University will build a reputation and have a purpose-built facility to attract and conduct clinical research."

His team will continue internationally recognised diabetes technology research, including studies of next-generation insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems.

"The health precinct in Christchurch is incredibly special. International research sponsors are continually impressed by the close connection between the University, laboratories and Christchurch Hospital. Dedicated clinical research space will improve participant experiences, attract more research opportunities and create an outstanding environment for researchers now and into the future,” Professor de Bock explains.

Named Wai Ora, meaning "water of life", the building's name was gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri and reflects the central role of water in sustaining health and wellbeing. Official opening ceremonies will take place on 17 and 18 September, marking the beginning of a new era of discovery, collaboration and clinical innovation for the University of Otago and the communities it serves.

- Kōrero by Lorelei Mason