Strategic Research Initiatives

Several major research-related strategic initiatives were announced by the Vice Chancellor in May 2010. These initiatives reflect the University’s strong and passionate focus on creating the new knowledge that will help communities shape their future.

Such initiatives include:
Research Themes: comprising three Thematic Research Initiatives, and a Food & Health Programme. These themes reflect the University’s desire to encourage cross disciplinary research and use its research to enhance the quality of life, health and social well-being of New Zealanders, and people throughout the world. Through these themes the University is providing researchers with the facilities and creative and collaborative environment needed for them to be at the leading edge of international science and innovation
 

• Biopharma Sector Development: This initiative seeks to build upon the University’s outstanding strengths in understanding disease, which have led to drug discovery and development. The theme is co-hosted by the Faculty of Science, and the faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Visit the Biopharma website
• Te Whare Kura - Indigenous Knowledges, Peoples and Identities: This broad theme brings together a diverse range of research interests from across the University, and is hosted by the Faculty of Arts. The University is ideally placed to advance understanding and utilisation of indigenous knowledge systems working alongside contemporary western knowledge systems. Visit the Te Whare Kura website
• Transforming Auckland - institutional, technological and cultural innovations for sustainable cities: This initiative aims to find innovative solutions to Auckland’s sustainability challenges. The Theme is hosted by the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries. Visit the Transforming Auckland website
• Food & Health Programme: This major trans-disciplinary research and teaching programme draws on specialist expertise in food science, process engineering, nutrition, health, social sciences, business and commercialization from across the University of Auckland, and is hosted by the Faculty of Science. Visit the Food and Health Programme website

International Research Team Development Awards: This initiative supports the University’s aim to sustain `and increase its capacity to attract creative talent and investment to the University, Auckland, and New Zealand. Eight research teams are currently supported.

• Biodiversity Databases
• Biology & Immunology of Reproduction
• Centre for Advanced Composite Materials
• CTRU Nutrition & Physical Activity
• Fetal & Neonatal Physiology
• Global Health
• Industrial Information, Modelling & Optimisation
• Robotic Research

The Future Leaders Programme: training for early to mid career researchers to develop research leadership capability.

Creating a Positive Environment for Research: providing an environment and facilities to enable researchers to be at the forefront of international science and innovation.