Highlights
Population-specific genetic variants that alter responses to diabetes medication
A MWC programme of work around a SLC22A3 gene variant unique to Māori and Pacific peoples that could impact the way first line drug treatment is managed for people with type 2 diab
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Illuminating tumour micro environments
Advanced technical imaging capabilities and research projects supported by MWC are helping to identify new prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to advance potential therapeutic tar
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“Immunity gap” revealed by changes in pathogen exposure during the pandemic
MWC researchers, in collaboration with the New Zealand Blood Service and CoRE Te Pūnaha Matatini, show reduced pathogen exposure altered New Zealanders’ immune status and susceptib
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A step towards precision medicine for Māori and Pacific Peoples
Research funded through the MWC Metabolic Health research theme programme has led to the understanding of how a gene variant unique to Māori and Pacific could impact the way first
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PhD research unlocks less-invasive cancer testing
Only a decade ago, tracking cancer tumours with blood tests was the realm of science fiction. Now, MWC Affiliate Investigator Dr Sandra Fitzgerald has a whole technology for detect
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Awards recognise community engagement by early career researchers
Four early-career MWC-affiliated researchers are recipients of the inaugural Early Career Researcher Award Recognising Science Excellence and Community Engagement, initiated by the
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Real time pathogen genomics for diagnostics in the Pacific
MWC is partnering with New Zealand-trained Pacific colleagues to develop diagnostics and tools for infection control and public health in the Pacific Islands.
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Unique genetic variant and mechanism drives powerful Type 2 diabetes protection
New light is shining on the role of genetics in the etiology and management of obesity and diabetes in New Zealand populations with MWC support through the Metabolic Disease Flagsh
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Following the evolving genetics of cancer
Through a broad transdisciplinary project and extensive DNA sequencing analysis, MWC scientists have identified how different metastases evolve through a variety of genetic changes
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New avenues in fight against drug resistant TB
While rising drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is eroding the power of almost all available antibiotics in the fight against this major pathogen, work completed by MWC-
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Early career researchers spread their wings
With relaxed travel regulations, MWC resumed support for ECR visits to international laboratories. These visits help progress research in new directions, extend networks, and bring
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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