Highlights
MWC network plays key role in national response to COVID-19 pandemic
Investigators from across the Centre have been instrumental in developing the tools necessary to track and trace the virus, informing public health policy and measuring the ongoing
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New Otago biotech startup targets cancer
Amaroq Therapeutics, a new biotech startup company with the goal of developing targeted drugs for cancer, has been awarded significant investment funds in 2021.
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Exciting building blocks unlock peptide potential
Coined ‘bacterial super villains’, the World Health Organisation has a list of ‘priority pathogens’ which have developed resistance to most drugs. With the rise of these supe
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MWC teacher workshops focus on COVID-19
In 2020/21 the Centre adapted its teacher professional development programme to increase understanding around the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on both MWC and national expertise to p
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Pilin protein may combat the hairy problem of human pathogens
MWC investigations into the puzzle of a nanoscopic skyscraper – ‘the pilus’ – have sparked separate lines of research into novel vaccine delivery platforms which can target differe
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Dual approach drives precision medicine
Two pioneering studies by MWC investigators are looking at the resilience and risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Māori and Pacific peoples, both ultimately aimed at understanding
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Chasing a cancer suspect to cytokinesis
A potential new way to target aggressive cancers has been identified through a MWC project as part of the research programme investigating genomic approaches to cancer diagnosis an
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Collaboration a bridge to new knowledge
Four years ago, MWC and The Moko Foundation formed the Waharoa ki te Toi Health Research Centre in Kaitaia to drive outreach including to deliver the Fructose in Schools (FIS) and
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A bountiful career of exceptional science
MWC founding Principal Investigator, Professor Bill Denny, was recognised this year with New Zealand’s highest honour.
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MWC technical excellence helps NZ attract new medicines
A high profile paper has highlighted the growing support the MWC is providing to NZ’s burgeoning clinical trials sector.
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Nationwide research flagship takes fight to global viral threats
A growing network of Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators around New Zealand are collaborating on research to tackle important viral infectious diseases.
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MWC researchers ramp up international infectious disease work
The MWC has long recognised the value in investing in research to fight infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), which remains difficult to treat or prevent. MWC teams are co
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Young MWC scientists gain valuable specialist research training
Over 2019 a record number of emerging researchers took up the opportunity to access valuable specialist research training and facilities, supported by the Maurice Wilkins Centre’s
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MWC continues to lead the way in NZ cancer vaccine research
Immune therapy is one of the most exciting and promising areas of cancer research. Around New Zealand, teams of Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators – amongst them postgraduate stu
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International and national awards 2019
In yet another successful year, Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators have been recognised on the national and international stage for their contributions to science.
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New imaging improves our understanding of the immune system
Maurice Wilkins Centre researchers have used novel imaging technology to reveal the structure and inner workings of entire lymph nodes, core components of the body’s immune system.
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MWC senior leadership team welcomes new appointees
We highlight the recent appointments of three exceptional scientists – Associate Professor Rinki Murphy, Professor Debbie Hay and Dr Nikki Moreland – to the Maurice Wilkins Centre
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Developing a vaccine to prevent rheumatic fever
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection is widespread around the world, but causes particularly serious complications in New Zealand – especially rheumatic fever that damages th
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Celebrations as regional research centres open
The MWC continued to strengthen its relationships with Māori communities in 2018. MWC Deputy Director Professor Peter Shepherd and Principal Investigator Professor Tony Merriman, i
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Building blocks for new medicines
The MWC uses New Zealand’s outstanding medicinal chemistry expertise to discover new medicines. A particular kind of chemistry that uses natural building blocks is now being used t
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One cancer gene – but several different proteins
Cancer arises due to changes in DNA in a single cell. Many changes are needed over time to a cell’s DNA to make it cancerous – which is why cancer is usually a disease of later li
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Young MWC scientists drive upskilling of peers nationwide
The Maurice Wilkins Centre is committed to developing a new generation of scientific leaders. In 2018, our Early Career Steering Committee, a talented and vibrant group of young le
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Turning the tables on cancer
Tumours often contain areas with less oxygen than is found in normal tissues. These areas are less vulnerable to many forms of cancer therapy and often drive development of a more
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A record year for commercialisation
In 2018, NZ$58M was raised by companies in New Zealand and overseas to take MWC discoveries through to the clinic – a new record in terms of annual investment in new medicines inve
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Growing miniature human organs from stem cells
Stem cells are cells that can grow into different types of cells in the body. They sit in special zones throughout the body waiting to be called on to generate new cells. Differe
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Margaret Brimble elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London
Professor Dame Margaret Brimble, MWC Principal Investigator at the University of Auckland, added a wonderful achievement to her exceptional scientific career in 2018 – becoming the
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Mid-term review sets future direction
A comprehensive independent assessment found the Centre to be performing at a high level, producing distinct and positive benefits for New Zealand. It also enabled re-configuration
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Flagship launches careers of young investigators
The MWC Tuberculosis Flagship research programme has proved to be a great springboard for younger investigators to progress their careers.
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Smarter drug design
An advanced experimental technique linked to high powered computation is becoming an increasingly important tool for MWC researchers developing new drugs.
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MWC salutes founding Principal Investigator
Professor John Fraser, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, has stood down from his position as Principal Investigator (PI) with the M
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High-impact publications highlight TB research
Researchers in the MWC’s Tuberculosis Flagship Research Programme have had their long hours in the lab recognised through publications in world-leading journals.
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‘Sugar in Schools’ study launched nationwide
The Maurice Wilkins Centre launched the ‘Sugar in Schools’ study in 2017 – a ground-breaking multi-year programme bringing science to thousands of schoolchildren across New Zealand
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Investigating a bacterial 'master' of disguise
MWC researchers have revealed a unique protein in a common bacterium that helps it disguise itself from immune attack. This discovery could help in development of new antimicrobial
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Working with Māori in regional research centres
MWC Deputy Director Professor Peter Shepherd and Associate Investigator Professor Tony Merriman have been instrumental in forging relationships between the Centre and Māori communi
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MWC welcomes landmark results for lung cancer drug
A novel lung cancer drug with strong development links to the MWC has shown impressive results in a large-scale international trial. Currently under review by the European Medicine
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Honouring excellence
MWC investigators received several national and international awards in 2017, celebrating and honouring their contributions to science.
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Home-grown research attracts high investor interest
Home-grown, high-tech health research from the Maurice Wilkins Centre has attracted support from local and international investors, leading to three spin-out companies in as many m
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Using 'molecular superglue' to build protein trees
Biological batteries, new vaccines and more cost-effective pharmaceuticals are just some of the potential benefits of Maurice Wilkins Centre research into the use of so-called mole
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Cells get increasing coverage
Human cells have always been important in Maurice Wilkins Centre research, but new developments open up new ground for both research and therapy.
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Re-thinking the causes of rheumatic fever
Researchers and health professionals are re-thinking the causes of rheumatic fever after studies by Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators confirmed a link between skin infections an
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Chemistry, bio and immunology combine to target immune receptor
A Maurice Wilkins Centre collaboration across several scientific disciplines has led to a patent for a new immunotherapy drug.
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Newly funded research highlights MWC collaborations
A five-year research programme aims to develop nontoxic vaccine technologies to complement existing cancer immunotherapies.
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The tumour-promoting activities of a famous protein
Developing new cancer therapies and a more reliable test for prostate cancer are just some of the potential outcomes of Maurice Wilkins Centre research into the cellular mechanisms
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New insight into an established diabetes target
Facilitating the development of better medicines for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease is a key driver behind some painstaking research at the Maurice Wilkins Centre to
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Early career researchers zoom in on an important drug target
An estimated 1.3 million people die from tuberculosis (TB) each year, and new drugs are desperately needed, especially as resistance to existing drugs increases.
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Standouts on the science stage
In 2016, Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators received a number of national and international honours in recognition of their services to science.
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Making the most of New Zealand’s resources
The Maurice Wilkins Centre is facilitating access to specialised equipment and facilities across the nation with a new scheme that makes the most of New Zealand’s research resource
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Mapping microscopic worlds
Maurice Wilkins Centre researchers have used unique microscopic imaging techniques to peer into the three-dimensional structure of blood vessel networks – and new computational tec
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Pursuing a dynamic research career
A chance project as an undergraduate led early career researcher Dr Wanting Jiao to the world of computational modelling where she developed the skills needed by a number of Mauric
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MWC leads cancer immune therapy conversation
The Maurice Wilkins Centre continues to be part of an international drive to develop and improve immune therapy for cancer. In 2015 the Centre organised a symposium that brought to
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New Zealand TB research tackles international problem
A 2014 pilot study funded by the Maurice Wilkins Centre’s Flexible Research Programme has led to a larger investigation into the genetics of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Ind
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China collaborations go from strength to strength
The Maurice Wilkins Centre continues to lead the way in establishing biomedical research ties between New Zealand and China. 2015 marked important developments in relations that wi
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Genetic study challenges popular opinion
A new Maurice Wilkins Centre study is bringing together researchers from across the country to investigate the genetic factors that predispose some New Zealanders to a greater risk
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NZ chemists provide expertise to tackle neglected disease
For Maurice Wilkins Centre associated chemists at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, what started as the development of an anti-TB drug has morphed into the discovery of
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International recognition for MWC investigators
In 2015 Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators received a number of international awards that recognised their achievements in research and community service.
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Cancer drug advances to phase II clinical trials
A New Zealand cancer drug developed by two Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators has reached the second phase of clinical trials with patients.
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Cross fertilising the new CoREs (2014)
In November 2014, the Maurice Wilkins Centre came together with the MacDiarmid Institute to organise a combined Centres of Research Excellence symposium at the University of Auckla
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Teacher programme reignites passion for science (2014)
Biology teacher Erin Sycamore is a big fan of MWC teacher professional development days and the annual biological conference in Queenstown. She shares her experiences and delight o
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International scheme brings top technology home (2014)
Since 2011, MWC’s international training programme has given young New Zealand researchers access to facilities across the world. Young scientists benefit from exposure to the late
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Advanced technology leads to discovery of a new cell in human skin (2014)
MWC scientists have developed new methods to identify the different types of cells in human tissues – including very rare ones.
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The intriguing matter of cracking bacterial bonds (2014)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators at the University of Auckland are world leaders in discovery of new cross-links in proteins.
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Expanding NZ's international reach (2014)
Relationships with prestigious research institutes overseas continue to strengthen.
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New drug discovery a New Zealand first (2014)
Distinguished Professor Margaret Brimble is proud of her discovery, for women, by a woman.
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Eminent founding Director looks back (2014)
As the founding director of the MWC moves into retirement, he talks of the triumph of relationships and the importance of simply “getting started”.
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Maurice Wilkins Centre funding renewed (2014)
Maurice Wilkins Centre is one of two Centres for Research Excellence to have their funding renewed.
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New therapies - from a new generation (2013)
Nurturing the next generation of scientists is an important part of the Maurice Wilkins Centre’s work – and senior students contribute an enormous amount to research success.
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Teacher development, from Kaitaia to Invercargill (2013)
This year the Maurice Wilkins Centre expanded its programme of professional development days for science teachers.
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Partnerships boost business: MWC supports Auckland Clinical Studies (2013)
The Maurice Wilkins Centre provides world-class support for medical trials provider Auckland Clinical Studies, helping to cement New Zealand’s growing reputation as a good place to
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New chemistry transforms cancer vaccine (2013)
A new kind of chemistry that dramatically simplifies the manufacture of cancer vaccines was created this year by Honours student Tom Wright.
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A fresh approach to diabetes (2013)
Type 2 diabetes is often caused by obesity, and weight-loss surgery usually reverses it. However, we don’t know precisely how this happens, and a new study at the MWC aims to find
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Advancing a vaccine for rheumatic fever (2013)
In 2013 the Maurice Wilkins Centre hosted a symposium attended by world experts in rheumatic fever. It marked the start of a trans-Tasman collaboration to eliminate the disease by
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New strategic alliance with China (2013)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators lead two research grants awarded in 2013 under the New Zealand-China Strategic Research Alliance (SRA).
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Stepping up the fight: The Tuberculosis Flagship (2013)
The Maurice Wilkins Centre is behind the launch of a national research network of ‘serious intellectual muscle’ that aims to speed up action against tuberculosis.
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Spreading the word (2013)
This year Maurice Wilkins Centre investigator Dr Siouxsie Wiles not only won the Callaghan Medal for science communication, awarded by the Royal Society of New Zealand, but also th
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New MWC PhD scholarships
Prestigious MWC PhD Scholarships available for 2015
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International award for New Zealand drug inventor (2013)
Maurice Wilkins Centre principal investigator Distinguished Professor Bill Denny has been named the recipient of the American Chemical Society’s 2014 Medicinal Chemistry Award.
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Stem cell pioneer delivers "knockout" lecture (2009)
Stem cells have the capacity to replenish any type of cell in the body. It’s this quality that gives stem cells the potential to transform modern medicine and excites so much inter
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Major new cancer vaccine programme (2010)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators are involved in a major new research programme that aims to develop and trial anti-cancer vaccines in New Zealand.
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New technologies for imaging the human body (2012)
New Zealand technologies being developed to perform delicate new procedures, locate sites where cancer drugs are active, and model a person’s entire skin, were just some of the top
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PhD student part of international drug development programme (2012)
Maurice Wilkins Centre-funded PhD student Matthew Bull is part of international research on a new class of immunosuppressants being developed initially to protect bone marrow trans
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The future of vaccines (2012)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigator Professor Sarah Hook from the University of Otago is developing new vaccine formulations – including needle-free vaccines and vaccines for cance
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New Zealand TB drug candidate selected (2012)
In late 2012 a promising New Zealand compound targeting treatment-resistant tuberculosis (TB) was selected as a drug candidate by international non-profit drug developer the Global
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A licence to manufacture medicines (2012)
A licence to manufacture medicines has been granted to a University of Auckland facility that will produce the active ingredients of cancer vaccines to be tested in humans. The fac
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Rheumatic fever - Research strengths confront national need (2012)
The Maurice Wilkins Centre prioritises rheumatic fever research, and its work built momentum in 2012 with the appointment of a specialist researcher, funding of two research projec
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Creating connections with China (2012)
An official visit by State Councillor Liu Yandong, now a Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China, was the culmination of the Maurice Wilkins Centre’s work during 2012 to bui
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A core of celebrated scientists (2012)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators continued to win acclaim in 2012, ending the year with seven medals at the Royal Society of New Zealand research honours event, including the t
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International opportunity for young scientists (2011)
In 2011 the Maurice Wilkins Centre launched a new scheme to help its early-career scientists train in cutting-edge technology – and share what they have learned with New Zealand co
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School students get into hot water (2011)
With a blessing from Ngati Hei – and a polite request for tourists to move from their bathing holes – a unique experiment got underway at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsul
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Mirror-image proteins - new biology from new chemistry (2011)
Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators are working with a pioneering international chemist to develop new methods for virus and drug research.
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A new toolkit for building virtual humans (2011)
The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), established by Maurice Wilkins Centre cofounder Professor Peter Hunter, is a lead player in international efforts to build comprehensiv
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New inhibitor for tuberculosis (2011)
A new way to shut down the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis has been devised by researchers in one of the Maurice Wilkins Centre’s longest-standing collaborations.
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Dissecting drug side effects offers hope (2011)
Researchers from the Maurice Wilkins Centre have discovered how a common class of medicines causes diabetes-like symptoms, and their work suggests a promising way of managing these
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Exquisite networks (2011)
Innovative technology developed to study the heart has been adapted for a unique study of the immune system – and will now be applied to cancer, through cross-disciplinary links fo
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Virtual screening boosts drug discovery (2010)
A high-powered new virtual environment that allows researchers to screen thousands of molecules as potential new drug leads was launched in 2010, providing a major boost to Maurice
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Supporting New Zealand’s future scientists (2010)
The inaugural Future Science Day convened by the Maurice Wilkins Centre in 2010 provided advice, mentorship, networking, and science communication opportunities to 150 New Zealand
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Modern approaches to an ancient disease (2010)
Scientists associated with the Maurice Wilkins Centre have created new drugs for tuberculosis.
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Mapping cellular networks (2010)
Maurice Wilkins Centre PhD student Daniel Hurley and colleagues are mapping signalling networks in cancer and have identified “master regulators” associated with patient survival.
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Joining forces against infectious disease (2010)
The 2010 Superbugs Symposium convened by the Maurice Wilkins Centre brought together more than 350 medical professionals and scientists fighting infectious disease.
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Drug selection a milestone for spin-out (2010)
In 2010 Maurice Wilkins Centre investigators Professors Bill Denny and Peter Shepherd selected a new anticancer drug candidate for clinical development, triggering US $4.5 million
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Doctoral students win international recognition (2010)
Two medicinal chemistry PhD students supervised by Maurice Wilkins Centre investigator Professor Margaret Brimble have won prestigious international postdoctoral fellowships.
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Clues to life-threatening organ failure (2010)
Relatively little is known about lymph but there is growing evidence that it can carry disease-causing toxins from the intestines throughout the body. Researchers associated with t
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Study exposes superbug defences (2009)
An international study between scientists from New Zealand and Denmark has revealed exactly how the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus evades the human body’s key immune defences.
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Professor Peter Hunter awarded nation’s top science honour (2009)
Professor Peter Hunter was presented with the prestigious 2009 Rutherford Medal at the Royal Society of New Zealand’s annual Science Honours Dinner.
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Mixing with Asia’s best and brightest (2009)
The Maurice Wilkins Centre sponsored two secondary school students and a teacher to attend an Asian regional science camp.
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Lighting up lymph nodes (2009)
Maurice Wilkins Centre researchers have made exciting new discoveries about how human lymph nodes work.
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Kidney cancer researcher scores a first for New Zealand (2009)
In December 2009, Maurice Wilkins Centre investigator Associate Professor Michael Hay became the first New Zealand scientist to receive a grant from a leading international charity
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Help with difficult diagnoses (2009)
Maurice Wilkins Centre technology is helping Auckland Hospital with difficult diagnoses.
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First doctoral students – where are they now? (2009)
In 2008, the first students to receive full scholarships from the Maurice Wilkins Centre graduated with their PhDs.
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Crystals of mirrored proteins (2009)
Maurice Wilkins Centre researchers are using an exciting new crystallisation technique to reveal the structure of proteins.
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Creating connections between drug discovery and business (2009)
The Maurice Wilkins Centre hosted the New Zealand Drug Discovery Symposium in September 2009, bringing together more than 450 delegates from science, medicine, business, and ventur
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A blossoming collaboration with Japan (2011)
Formal relationships between the Maurice Wilkins Centre and high-profile Japanese research institutions were established in 2011, and exchange visits have already begun.
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Scientists and teachers in unique partnership (2012)
Science teachers from Auckland and Northland leapt at the opportunity for an intensive update on the latest in biomedical science, at a unique Maurice Wilkins Centre event in 2012.
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Cancer stealth drug enters clinical development (2010)
The first of an exciting new class of anticancer drugs will proceed to clinical development under an international deal announced in early 2011.
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New Zealand patients trial local cancer drug (2012)
Cancer patients in Auckland, Waikato and the United States are participating in the first clinical trial of an exciting new drug invented in New Zealand.
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New drug targets treatment-resistant cancer (2011)
A new drug targeting an important group of cancer cells attracted international funding in 2011 and will soon enter clinical trials.
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The future of healthcare is already here (2011)
Tailoring a person’s medical care to their genetic makeup may sound like science fiction, but “personalised medicine” is already here – as scientists and health professionals discu
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MWC enters exciting new era of collaboration with Pacific health partners
The Maurice Wilkins Centre (MWC) signed landmark agreements with two Pacific health research partners in 2019 – the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa and Pacific Health Plu
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