Showcase presents researchers with global impact in TED-style talks

The 2026 Researchers with Global Impact showcase, a University Hīkina Kia Tutaki, Rise to the Challenge initiative acknowledging research excellence, highlighted the international impact of six leading researchers.

Each of the researchers has achieved significant international recognition. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Frank Bloomfield said that in doing so, they stayed deeply connected to their communities, in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. “Their work reflects not only individual excellence, but the collective effort of teams, collaborators and whānau who support and sustain these achievements.”

Professor Bloomfield said the national research and innovation system was undergoing the biggest change in 30 years.

“In response to the constantly changing research environment, the University is developing Signature Research Areas as a long-term, strengths-based framework designed to articulate and elevate our bold and distinctive research excellence. These areas are intended to be resilient and future-focused, providing a stable platform for collaboration, international engagement and strategic investment.”

The speakers gave five-minute TED-style talks offering a concise overview of their research spanning many decades.

Professor Virginia Braun of the Faculty of Science, a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, is a world-leader in her field, with her publications on thematic analysis in psychology published extensively showing incredible reach. She has 20 papers that have been cited over 1000 times each, with one paper having been cited an astonishing 304,274 times on Google Scholar. That paper, which outlines a robust framework for thematic analysis is among the top ten most cited publications ever.

Professor Charl de Villiers’ work in accounting and finance has helped shape international approaches to sustainability reporting, contributing to regulatory thinking across jurisdictions and reinforcing the importance of transparency and trust. A Stanford University study placed him in the top 50 of all accounting academics globally. More than 90 percent of his publications involve international partnerships. This year he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his services to accounting and sustainability.

Professor Melody Smith, a public health researcher at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences has built an extensive record for international collaboration and impact. Her research partnerships span Finland, the United Kingdom and Australia, investigating how the environments we create influence children’s safety, mobility, and wellbeing.

Professor Francis Collins, the head of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Arts and Education, is the country lead for an international mobility program in Settler-Colonial contexts across four nations – Canada, Australia, Aotearoa, and the US. This role reflects his standing in the field and the global relevance of his work. Unfortunately, Professor Collins was unable to present due to illness. A video of his talk is available below.

Based at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Professor Leo Cheng’s achievements in bioengineering have been recognised at the highest levels. In 2025, he was awarded the MacDiarmid Medal, honouring outstanding scientific research for applications to human benefit. Internationally, Professor Cheng has secured several patents in collaboration with US institutions for his research into gastrointestinal electrical activity.

Research done by Professor Matire Harwood (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences) shows that when care systems are designed to work for Māori and Pacific communities, they become better for everyone; more equitable, more responsive and more effective. Her work on stroke rehabilitation has been adopted in the national guidelines. In 2024 Professor Harwood received the King's Service Medal for Services to Māori Health. Professor Harwood was unable to present but a video of her talk is available below.