Presenters at the Research Forum in Wellington last week, from left, Professor Jemma Geoghegan, Dr Megan Leask (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe), Joseph Tyro (Kāi Tahu, Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Rangi), a Principal Advisor at Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, and Professor Chris Jackson.
From health discoveries in space to the health of Hector’s dolphins, the Division of Health Sciences’ Research Innovation Forum held in Wellington in May provided a fascinating insight into the range of health research taking place across the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
The one-day event was an initiative from the Divisional Research Committee and highlighted the impact of the Division’s research on driving innovation, informing policy, and contributing to making Aotearoa a better place.
It was sponsored by the Division’s Associate Dean, Research, Associate Professor Ailsa McGregor and convened by Associate Dean, Research, on the Wellington campus, Associate Professor Kirsty Danielson.
Kirsty says it was a great way to bring together leading researchers, collaborators, and stakeholders to strengthen existing partnerships, and to forge new connections.
“We hope these connections will enhance the translation of research from fundamental discoveries to real-world applications,” she says.
The plenary address was given by National Party MP and Otago University alumnus Hon Dr Hamish Campbell, who has a PhD in biomedical science and worked in cancer research before turning to politics.
The day featured short talks and panel discussions on four key themes, looking at bold ideas for a healthy Aotearoa, sustainable science, emerging enterprise and health discoveries in space.
The 120 participants who signed up for the forum came from a range of organisations, including the public sector, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, and from research groups and funding bodies.
Those at the event were able to hear top academics from the Division talking about their areas of research. They included cancer researcher and oncologist Professor Chris Jackson; evolutionary virologist Professor Jemma Geoghegan; Wellington healthy housing researcher Dr Kimberley O’Sullivan; ophthalmologist and medical aerospace researcher Dr Francesc March; genetics researchers Dr Megan Leask (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe) and Dr Emma Wade; and dolphin researcher, molecular ecologist/evolutionary biologist Dr Alana Alexander (Te Hikutū: Ngāpuhi).
The event was MC’d by Matiu Workman (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa), the Kaitohu Matua Māori – Senior Strategic Adviser Māori for Te Ringa Toro, the Division of External Engagement.
The forum is expected to become a regular event on the Wellington campus calendar.