Dr Emma Wade received a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship, worth almost $600,000, to study how genes contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.
Sixteen University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have received $2.8 million of Health Research Council funding to advance their careers.
The mix of fellowships, and grants and scholarships for Māori and Pacific researchers were announced today.
The funding will enable research into topics as varied as concussion, vaccines, eating disorders and homelessness.
Dr Emma Wade, of the Department of Women's and Children's Health, has received a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship, worth almost $600,000, to study how genes contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.
She says the condition is incredibly common in women, but its incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand is poorly understood and effective treatments are lacking.
Professor Richard Blaikie
“My project will use genomics here in Aotearoa, along with large international datasets, to uncover novel genes that contribute to the tissue strength of the pelvic floor.
“Knowledge of critical proteins will be used to develop smart, biological drugs to strengthen healing of connective tissue in pelvic organ prolapse, and other connective tissue disorders.”
Dr Wade hopes by recruiting and researching prolapse in Aotearoa, she will be able to deliver much needed outreach and support to all women, including those who may avoid medical care for the condition.
“Women’s health research is neglected, especially for conditions that primarily affect older women. I think it’s important we have dedicated research programmes that address women’s health.
“This Fellowship is an important step in addressing knowledge gaps around the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse and exploring targeted treatments. I’m incredibly grateful the HRC is supporting this work,” she says.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Richard Blaikie congratulates each of the grant recipients on their success.
“This funding is testament to the calibre of emerging scientists we have at Otago. It is encouraging the Health Research Council is supporting their careers, enabling them to pursue such a wide range of studies into such important topics,” he says.
General Career Development Awards
Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship: Dr Emma Wade, Department of Women's and Children's Health, $599,917
Finding the POP factor: The genetics of pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), or the herniation of the pelvic organs into the vagina, is an incredibly common condition in women. Its incidence in Aotearoa is poorly understood and effective treatments are lacking. This project will use genomics here in Aotearoa, and large international datasets, to uncover novel genes that contribute to the tissue strength of the pelvic floor. By recruiting wāhine in Aotearoa, Dr Wade will be able to link genetic changes to protein expression in the pelvic floor and develop an understanding of POP here in Aotearoa. Knowledge of critical proteins will be used to develop smart, biological drugs to strengthen healing of connective tissue in POP, and other conditions. Her POP research here in Aotearoa will also deliver much needed outreach and support to all women, who may avoid medical care for POP. Dr Wade’s aspiration is to lead genomics-driven solutions for connective tissue disorders in Aotearoa.
Clinical Research Training Fellowship: Dr David Lewis, Department of Medicine, Wellington, $260,000
Complication rates and metabolic health in young adults with type 2 diabetes
Rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing in children and young adults. The few studies that have been done show higher complication rates, worse blood glucose control and higher mortality for people diagnosed earlier. This research will improve understanding of early onset type 2 diabetes and inform local practice for GPs and endocrinologists in Aotearoa New Zealand. The objectives of this study are to see whether New Zealanders with early onset type 2 diabetes have more diabetes complications, such as damage to the eyes or kidneys, and a worse metabolic health profile than those diagnosed later in life. The study will recruit 60 people aged 18 to 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five to 10 years prior and compare them to a group diagnosed at age over 50 in the Wellington region. A detailed history and examination focused on diabetes will be performed. Photographs of the back of the eye as well as blood and urine tests will be taken. If we see a higher rate of complications in participants with early onset type 2 diabetes this will be very important information to inform clinicians and policy makers to better target health resources and focus care.
Nishal Pinto, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Christchurch,$203,835
A study to investigate the effects of nocebo on cognitive recovery after mTBI
Concussion is attracting global attention and is perceived nowadays as more hazardous to health than ever before. While outcomes are good for many, research consistently shows some people need more time to recover and can have persistent cognitive symptoms such as memory and concentration problems day to day. What people expect to happen after concussion has been shown to influence these outcomes, but these factors have not been explored in any depth. This project investigates what contributes to the way people recover cognitively after concussion, especially focusing on their concussion knowledge and expectations. These are called nocebo effects. Nocebo effects could be important to focus on in treatment to improve outcomes.
Melanie Millier, Department of Microbiology and Immunology,$220,000
Measles-specific cellular immune responses to inhaled MMR vaccine
The measles mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is currently delivered by intramuscular injection to protect against the measles virus. However, immunity from MMR can wane since childhood vaccination, presenting a risk of measles outbreak in Aotearoa from an imported case. The MAXXED randomised clinical trial (RCT) is investigating measles immunity in young adults and measuring circulating antibody responses to aerosol (inhaled) and intradermal (micro-needle) methods of MMR vaccination. This project has been incorporated into the MAXXED study to identify and measure the additional aspects of mucosal and cell-mediated measles immune responses to MMR within a sub-group of trial participants. Measles antibody subtypes in mucosal fluid samples and measles-specific circulating T cell responses to vaccination will be measured. Comparisons of immune responses amongst the different vaccination methods will provide novel insight into how measles immunity might be enhanced by using alternative methods of MMR vaccination and inform future community vaccination strategies.
Clara Fergus, Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch, $260,000
The impact of AID on dietary behaviour and health outcomes across the lifespan
Diabetes is a complex chronic condition and a significant health concern in Aotearoa. Effective management is demanding – individuals make up to 180 diabetes-related decisions daily. Automated insulin delivery systems pose a treatment that reduces the burden of diabetes management while improving outcomes. However, in Aotearoa, nutrition therapy, a key component of diabetes care, has not been fully explored in combination with modern treatments such as automated insulin delivery and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. By synthesising findings from multiple projects, this research aims to deepen understanding of how diet affects glycaemic control when used with modern diabetes treatments including automated insulin delivery and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. This research will focus on diverse groups within the New Zealand population, including minority ethnic groups such as Māori and Pacific peoples, as well as older adults. It aims to inform further research and support the advancement of nutrition therapy in optimising diabetes management tailored to a local context, hence improving diabetes control and outcomes.
Māori Health Research Career Development Awards
Māori Health PhD Scholarship: Sheree Tikao-Harkess, School of Physiotherapy,$101,050
Reconceptualising Musculoskeletal care from a Māori worldview
The health system of Aotearoa New Zealand is not meeting the needs of Māori. The injury and rehabilitation realm of health is no exception. It is a responsibility enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and national legislation such as the Pae ora (Healthy futures) Act 2022 to provide equitable, culturally appropriate and responsive health services. One way of addressing these challenges in service delivery, is to explore how best Indigenous practices such as rokoā, and a western practice such as physiotherapy can better support injury prevention, care and rehabilitation. Therefore, this study will use a kaupapa Māori approach to explore the intersection between physiotherapy and Rokoā Māori to reconceptualise musculoskeletal care from a Māori worldview.
Nasya Thompson, Department of Surgery, (UOC), Christchurch, $141,275
The impact of a major cancer diagnosis on wellbeing of patients and their whānau
This PhD project aims to investigate the broad impacts of major cancer diagnoses on patients and their whānau, focusing on lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and glioblastoma cancers. The research aims to understand how these cancers affect quality of life, economic stability, and social well-being within Māori and other underrepresented communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture both measurable and personal impacts. By integrating kaupapa Māori methodologies and health equity theories, the goal is to develop a comprehensive metric for assessing cancer's effects, guiding targeted healthcare policies and practices. This research aligns with the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029, aiming to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for Māori and all communities affected by cancer.
Māori Health Development Grant: Mau Clark, Māori Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI), Christchurch, $10,000
Ngā Māuiui Kai in Kaupapa Māori Services: Kaimahi & Whaiora perspectives
Māori experience disordered eating. Population studies identified this more than 20 years ago and, more recently, Māori have been underrepresented in secondary eating disorder services. This underrepresentation is due to systemic barriers including service location, limited inpatient availability, clinician bias, and unique eating disorder assessment methods. These barriers have led to a cohort of Māori seeking help from kaupapa Māori services. This project is the first to explore eating disorders within a kaupapa Māori service, focusing on perspectives from kaimahi and tangata whaiora. The findings from these wānanga aim to identify the extent of the issue and necessary resources to support kaimahi and tangata whaiora. The outcomes will provide insights with the potential to inform other kaupapa Māori services and establish a foundation for future research, identifying key areas for further study and guiding subsequent investigations to improve health outcomes for Māori communities.
Mau Clark, Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI), Christchurch, $10,000
Outreach primary healthcare for Māori experiencing homelessness
The life expectancy of Māori is lower when compared to our European counterparts, 73.4 years for Māori men, 80.9 years for non-Māori men, a difference of seven years. For wāhine Māori, it is 77.1 years, compared to non-Māori women with 84.4 years. The mean age of death for people experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand is 45.7 years. A further reduced life expectancy of 30 years. A recent study found that 75 per cent of deaths were preventable by timely and effective healthcare interventions. This study investigates the feasibility of an outreach primary healthcare service as an effective method for increased healthcare engagements and improved healthcare quality for Māori experiencing homelessness. The project will engage with community partners identified to have a vested interest in the health and well-being of Māori experiencing homelessness.
Māori Health Research Knowledge Translation Grant: Dr Miriama Ketu-McKenzie, Department of Psychology, $5,000
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention for wāhine Māori
This project disseminates findings from research showing that a culturally enhanced mindfulness-based intervention led to improvements in both physical and mental health for Māori women.
Pacific Health Research Career Development Awards
Pacific Health Research Masters Scholarship: Noah Kelly-Foleni, Department of Pathology, $30,873
Impacts of the TP53 X126 splice mutation on lung cancer progression
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in New Zealand and disproportionately impacts Pasifika and Māori communities. Pasifika and Māori have a two- and three-times higher mortality rate compared to New Zealand Europeans. The TP53 gene is a tumour suppressing gene involved in DNA repair, programmed cell death, and metabolic function. When this gene mutates these functions can become dysregulated and cause more aggressive cancer development. TP53 X126 splice mutation in tumour cells has been associated with poorer patient outcomes compared to other more common TP53 mutations. Studies into TP53 splice mutations are limited, therefore, this project aims to investigate how the X126 splice mutation contributes to lung cancer development, add knowledge to TP53 splice mutations, and add to understanding of lung cancer development to help alleviate the high burden of lung cancer in Pasifika and Māori communities.
Pacific Health Research PhD scholarship: Katrina Sharlott, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, $127,000
Reconceptualising physical literacy for Cook Islands Māori
Physical literacy is a rising concept in health promotion, offering a nuanced and holistic approach to incorporating physical activity across the lifespan. Despite its potential, the discourse on physical literacy has notably overlooked the inclusion of Pacific voices and Indigenous perspectives to date. Cultural relevancy is critical to the success of health promotion strategies, as beliefs, values, and cultural background significantly influence a population's reception of health messages. The purpose of this research is to develop a reconceptualised framework for understanding physical literacy within a Cook Island context. This will enable the creation of effective and culturally appropriate health promotion strategies underpinned by physical literacy. A Cook Islands Māori perspective and research framework is adopted to conduct this research and guide the methodology.
Michaela Peters, Kōhatu - Centre for Hauora Māori,$142,550
Tagata i le Moana: Navigating Pacific health professional's journeys
Pacific peoples in New Zealand face significant health disparities compared to other populations. Improving their health outcomes requires a Pacific health workforce that understands their unique needs. This research aims to understand the contributions and experiences of Pacific health professionals in New Zealand and the Pacific region. It seeks to describe their geographic distribution, community involvement, leadership roles, career motivations, and the support they receive during training and employment. The study will involve a literature review, online survey, and semi-structured interviews with Pacific health professionals who graduated from New Zealand-based tertiary institutions. The findings will help inform policies to improve the recruitment, retention, and support of Pacific health professionals, with the aim of contributing to improve Pacific health outcomes. By understanding the experiences of Pacific health professionals, this research aims to enhance their representation in the health workforce and improve the overall health of Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
Amanaki Misa, Doctor of Business Administration Programme, $46,383
Pacific children engagement in the Christchurch Community Oral Health Service
Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand have had a history of not engaging in the health systems whether primary, secondary or tertiary. This research project focuses on the government funded oral health services provided by the hospital system to all New Zealanders including disadvantaged communities such as Pacific families in the Canterbury region. Data from Canterbury’s Community Dental Service Division shows that enrolled Pacific children have the highest missed appointment rates. Out of all the Pacific ethnic groups, missed appointment rates of Tongan children were among the highest in the region. This research will hone in on Tongan families in Canterbury whose children are enrolled in the system, and yet, seem to disengage by not attending scheduled appointments dictated by the system.
Eliana Viali, School of Physiotherapy, $142,550
Caregiving relationships within Samoan families
The main aim of this research is to talanoa with Samoan families affected by stroke to understand their health philosophy, cultural identity, family dynamics, and how these shape their caregiving and care receiving. This study begins by establishing and cultivating trusted and meaningful relationships with Pacific organisations across New Zealand to develop the best methodological approach to achieve this aim. This research will provide insight into the realities and challenges of intergenerational care within Samoan families, and will provide guidance for health care providers in their discussions about developing aiga-centred care.
Pacific Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship: Dr Taulaga Auva'a-Alatimu, Department of Psychology,$577,481
Scaling up Loto Malie, a Pacific-indigenous youth mental health intervention
Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand are less likely to seek psychological help due to stigma and there is a scarcity of research on psychological approaches that are culturally relevant for Pacific youth. Hence, the development of Loto Malie, a cultural clinical mental health intervention based on a relational framework of connection for grounding mental health tools. The effectiveness and scaling up Loto Malie to benefit other Pacific ethnic-specific groups will be a focal point of the study. The aim of the research is to strengthen Pacific youth mental wellbeing and grow the Pacific community leadership capability and capacity for workforce development. Therefore, a fundamental aspect of this research is to upskill and provide training to Pacific community leaders who have utilised Loto Malie, to ensure the target population (youth) has access to culturally appropriate interventions to improve mental health outcomes for Pacific people.
Pacific Health Research Knowledge Translation Grant: Dr Jekope Maiono, Department of Management, $4,992
Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) RSE workers and Hazardous Substance Material
This research project aims to improve the safety of Fijian workers participating in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand. Many RSE workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals in agriculture and manufacturing industries. However, language barriers and cultural differences can hinder their understanding of safety risks and how to protect themselves. The project will translate key safety information into the Fijian language to address this issue. This includes: firstly, research findings: A booklet summarising research on Fijian RSE workers' work practices and safety behaviours. Secondly, a poster detailing the nine main categories of hazardous substances and the appropriate PPE for each will be presented on hazardous substance information. Providing this information in Fijian, the project aims to Empower workers and enable workers to understand and mitigate risks, leading to safer working conditions. Enhance safety compliance: Encourage workers to use appropriate PPE and follow safety protocols. Strengthen industry partnerships: Foster trust and collaboration between New Zealand industries and Fijian workers. Ultimately, this project will contribute to a safer and healthier working environment for Fijian RSE workers.