ABI researchers receive more than $2.5m in latest HRC funding

Associate Professor Jichao Zhao will receive $1.2m over 3 years for his project 'Targeting atrial subcellular tubules in atrial fibrillation: A new perspective'.

Professor Leo Cheng will also be given $1.2m over 3 years for his project 'Targeted pacing for gastric dysfunction therapy'. Dr Tharanga Jayathungage Don was awarded e a 2025 Explorer Grant of $150,000 over two years for his 'Acoustic wellness monitor' project.

“This is an outstanding result considering that only 32 projects were awarded across the country,” says Professor Merryn Tawhai, Auckland Bioengineering Institute Director. “These projects build on years of computational modelling, imaging, and instrumentation development to tackle major health issues of importance to New Zealand.”

These projects are among many Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland health research initiatives to receive grants from the Government’s principal health research funder.