Decades of medical research supported by long-standing relationship

Following his PhD at the University of Auckland, Frank Bloomfield completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto, Canada. On returning to New Zealand in 2002, he received research funding from the Auckland Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) that proved instrumental to his work – and would have a far-reaching influence on his career.

“AMRF support was critical to me establishing an independent research trajectory,” he says.

He later supervised his first PhD students, both neonatal paediatricians like him. Their research was likewise supported by AMRF project grants, with one student also receiving an AMRF clinical doctoral scholarship. 

“Without this support, their PhD research – which in both cases impacted clinical practice in neonatal units – would not have been possible.”

Frank went on to become director at the Liggins Institute, where he remained for eight years before taking on his current position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). The work he began nearly 30 years ago remains a pillar of the institute’s research portfolio.

“The support I received led to a whole programme of research involving several academics into the role of high blood sugar concentrations in newborn babies. Research in this area continues at the University of Auckland and the Liggins Institute.”

His journey is just one example of the widespread impact of the University’s ongoing relationship with AMRF. Since first coming together in 1996 with the shared objective of conducting world-leading medical research that meaningfully impacts New Zealanders’ lives, AMRF – which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year – has generously provided more than $70 million in funding to the University. This has included travel awards, PhD stipends, postdoctoral support and research project funding, and has supported groundbreaking projects across disciplines on everything from cancer, heart health and rheumatology to antibiotics, stem cell research and Parkinson’s disease. 

AMRF’s contribution has been pivotal in enabling experienced
academics to continue their work in New Zealand and in supporting early-stage researchers in developing their academic careers. Consequently, it has been essential to the advancement of local medical research.

“AMRF’s support has often underpinned the launch of successful research careers, providing invaluable funding that enables early- and mid- career researchers to pursue their own ideas, demonstrating independence and supporting the move from the person who ‘does everything’ to emerging leadership of a research group,” Frank explains.

A key factor of AMRF’s support is thorough assessment when choosing where to award funding. Recipients are selected based on the quality of proposed research, with the selection process upholding a standard of excellence and innovation that ensures exceptional results and bolsters those receiving it.

“AMRF grants are recognised as being a major achievement – they are competitive and rigorous, meaning success in obtaining one is recognised as a marker of research and researcher quality,” says Frank, adding that the University looks forward to continuing to work together to deliver life-changing outcomes for New Zealanders.

“I hope that the relationship will go from strength to strength, founded on mutual trust and shared goals.”