Caroline Crowther wins Gluckman medal for transforming healthcare

Following a distinguished career in medicine and research across three continents, Professor Caroline Crowther has been awarded the prestigious Gluckman Medal, the University of Auckland’s highest honour for health research excellence. 

An internationally recognised maternal fetal medicine subspecialist, Professor Crowther is celebrated for her landmark clinical trials and translation of research into practice; work which has transformed maternal and perinatal health worldwide.

Crowther was appointed Professor of Maternal and Perinatal Health at the Liggins Institute in 2012, having worked in Australia, Zimbabwe and her native UK.

Her work has changed care for women at risk of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and diabetes in pregnancy, leading to better outcomes and significant reductions in death, disability, and cerebral palsy for babies. 

Through major randomised clinical trials, systematic reviews, and evidence-based guidelines,  Crowther’s research has been adopted into clinical practice across New Zealand, Australia, and globally.

Among her notable achievements are leading the first large trial showing that magnesium sulphate given to mothers before a very preterm birth reduces cerebral palsy risk, and the landmark ACHOIS trial demonstrating that detection and treatment of gestational diabetes prevents serious complications for mothers and babies.

These findings now underpin standard clinical care worldwide.

The Gluckman Medal is named in honour of Sir Peter Gluckman and recognises exceptional contributions to research within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland. Sir Peter founded the Liggins Institute in 2001 and served as Dean of the University's Medical School.

The medal selection panel said beyond her own research, Crowether had been instrumental in building enduring research infrastructure. 

"She established the IMPACT Network and the New Zealand OnTrack Network, which continues to support high-quality maternal and perinatal trials. She was also a foundational editor of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, and she has contributed 68 systematic reviews that have advanced evidence-based practice internationally.

"With over 600 publications, 25,000 citations, and supervision of more than 30 graduate students, Professor Crowther’s leadership has left an enduring legacy in clinical research and practice.

"Her work continues to save lives, improve long-term health outcomes and inform global guidelines."