Dialogue06 . 2006 12 The Liggins Institute begins a New Phase of Life continued from page 2 "The Liggins Institute’s new status reflects the esteem in which it is held nationally and internationally. AgResearch is pleased to be affiliated with the Institute, and we anticipate much fruitful collaboration." Dr Andy West, CEO AgResearch A new phase of life The Liggins Institute and crown research institute AgResearch have a memorandum of understanding to move forward with collaborative research. alliances with some of New Zealand’s leading The Liggins Institute has been given a new status within the University organisations in the biotechnology, agriculture "Landcorp is delighted that the Liggins Institute has been recognised as The University of Auckland’s and medical sectors, and attract the best first large-scale research institute. It is fitting recognition of the leading edge research undertaken by the Institute." individuals from around the world to work with Dr Chris Kelly, CEO LandCorp it. There will be greater focus on developing Corporate Agribusiness Landcorp works closely with the Liggins Institute on a number of projects that are international partnerships. expected to bring significant benefits to New Zealand agriculture. “We are honoured to be chosen as the University’s first large-scale research "I’m delighted that the Liggins Institute has been recognised for the quality of its research, and given scope to grow its contributions even more in the future. Neuren is excited about moving forward with the institute,” says Liggins Institute Director Institute in its new phase of life." Professor Peter Gluckman. “It shows that David Clarke, CEO Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd our efforts to ensure that our research is at Biotechnology company Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd develops neuroscience discoveries from the the cutting edge, and to build critical mass Liggins Institute. and national and international partnerships, "Warmest congratulations to the Liggins Institute on this new milestone. It is a strong indication of the are seen as a lever to assist the University to strength of research, international recognition and leadership position held by the Institute." grow further. Dr Justin Vaughan, CEO BrainZ Instruments Ltd “The changed management structure allows BrainZ Instruments Ltd develops and markets a unique brain function monitor invented by Liggins Institute us to focus on the business of research scientists. and this has energised the whole Institute,” "We look forward to continuing and building on our current relationship with the new organisation in what he continues. “We greatly appreciate the has so far been entirely original and exciting research." University Council and the Vice Chancellor Dr Richard Fisher, Fertility Associates for the confidence they have placed in us.” Scientists from Fertility Associates and the Liggins Institute conduct collaborative research into in vitro As the first large-scale research institute, fertilisation. the Liggins will be a model for future such "The move to establish the Liggins as an independent research institute is bold but has the potential institutes within the University. It will to leverage significant opportunities for the Institute and the University. The relationship between the establish the procedures and processes by Liggins and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences remains strong, and the new arrangement will which they are likely to be run. in the long run strengthen the research capabilities of both." Open since 2001, the Liggins Institute has Professor Iain Martin, Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at The The Liggins Institute was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in February 2002. Four years later the Institute is taking another major step forward. rapidly moved to a position of excellence. University of Auckland The Liggins Institute grew out of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and retains a close Its research focuses on pregnancy, healthy association with it. The Liggins Institute this year became The The Institute will work closely with other way down that path, and thus provides an babies, development and diseases of older age University of Auckland’s first large-scale elements of the University, particularly with ideal starting point for the development of including cancer and neurological disease. "The Liggins Institute is one of the largest entities in the world dedicating a substantial component research institute. the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, such entities. It will itself be something The quality of the Institute’s research gained of its research effort to determining the mechanisms and implications of the developmental origins of The Institute has been made the first to foster research in its area of expertise and of an experiment, but one we are able to health and disease. I am confident that the new status of the Liggins Institute will assist in furthering it the country’s top ranking for biomedical, this research." academic entity with management and its application. undertake with a great deal of confidence health and medical research in the Tertiary Professor Mark Hanson, Director of the Centre for Developmental Origins of organisation that is distinct from the Vice Chancellor of The University of because of the sound base on which we are Education Commission’s ‘performance based Health and Disease at the University of Southampton University’s traditional faculty structure. Auckland, Professor Stuart McCutcheon, building.” research fund’ rankings in 2004. The Liggins Institute has several joint research programmes and appointments with the ‘DoHAD’ centre, which is one of its many international academic alliances. The move is part of a wider strategy by the says “Large-scale research institutes will In practical terms, the move gives the Major successes to date include the University to create a number of large-scale, be different from faculties in that their Liggins Institute a clearer sense of its future, first-ever effective treatment for newborn "The NRCGD congratulates the Liggins on recognition both of the importance of its research and of the world-class research institutes. The focus primary emphasis will be on international and empowers its management to expand babies deprived of oxygen during birth, and a significant contribution it can make to the standing of The University of Auckland." of these institutes will be on ensuring that quality postgraduate teaching and research and grow its key areas of excellence around brain rescue monitor that gives hospital staff Alison Paterson, Chair of the National Research Centre for Growth and research is of the highest standard and rather than on undergraduate teaching. The reproductive, women and children’s health. caring for newborns unprecedented capacity Development’s Governance Board contributes to the University’s standing. Liggins has already moved a considerable The team will build on its current The Liggins Institute is a leading partner in the ‘NRCGD’, one of New Zealand’s Centres of Research to detect brain injury as it happens. Liggins Excellence. scientists also led research providing the first PAGE 5 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 About the cover PAGE 14 06 . 2006 evidence that poor nutrition around the time 12 "I am delighted that the Institute’s efforts have been recognised and that the Liggins Advisory Board has Dialogue of conception might lead to premature birth, been able to assist in developing the Institute to this stage." 06 . 2006 12 and identified an exciting potential breast Graeme Hawkins, Chair of the Liggins Institute’s Advisory Board cancer treatment. The Advisory Board is the main governing body of the Liggins Institute. The Liggins Institute Dialogue begins a New Phase of Life Introducing the Liggins Institute ambassador Contents this issue A new phase of life 2 Contents this issue: Friends of the Liggins Institute The Liggins Institute is delighted to announce that well-known television presenter Judy Bailey has accepted their invitation to be their Introducing the Liggins Institute ambassador 3 Note to Friends – Roxane Horton 10 ambassador. Judy will assist with promoting the Institute and in seeking sponsorship. Judy will join other supporters at Liggins Institute Prematurity research attracts funding 4 Support from the business world 11 events, and will commence by introducing lectures in the ‘Seasons of Life’ series that starts in July. New ‘Epigen consortium’ to be launched 4 Breast cancer research wins funding 11 “We are extremely pleased that Judy has chosen to be associated with us, and welcome her warmly to the Liggins community. Judy has a Caring for fragile brains 5 Judy Bailey: Liggins Institute ambassador 12 Summer destination: the Liggins Institute 6 Sweat, blisters, and aching bones 12 very strong and passionate commitment to the healthy development of infants and children and she can assist us greatly in communicating Prominent awards to Liggins Institute Director 7 Coming events 13 the results of our research across aspects of our communities,” says Liggins Director Professor Peter Gluckman. Secondary school pupils to learn at the Liggins 8 Share our dreams 14 Turn to page 12 to read about why Judy chose to support the Institute. Seasons of life 9 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Prematurity research attracts Caring for fragile brains prestigious American funding Working with newborn patients inspires a PhD student at the Liggins Institute Concern for babies’ brains is at the forefront of Deborah Harris’s research. Funding