Clinical

Project 

The initial management of patients with suspected meningitis has significant impacts on patient outcomes. To improve the initial management for patients with suspected meningitis at Auckland City Hospital, updated clinical guidelines were published in April 2020.

This project will audit the quality of initial management at ACH during a pre-intervention period (1/10/2017-1/4/2020) and a post-intervention period (1/5/2020-31/08/2023), to determine: (i)whether the quality of care improved following guideline publication, and (ii)whether further improvements in the quality of care are required.

Data on the initial management of patients will be extracted from online medical records and recorded on Microsoft Excel. Data will include: (i) patient demographics; (ii) presenting symptoms; (iii) examination findings; (iv) timing and results of blood cultures, LP and CT; (v) treatment delivery; (vi) final diagnosis and outcome.

A previous summer student collected and analysed data on 147 patients who presented 1/10/2017-30/10/2020, and data has been collected for another 107 patients, who presented 1/11/2020-12/7/22.

The role

The student recruited for the 2025-2026 summer studentship will collect data for approximately 70 patients who presented 13/7/22-31/8/2023. Some gaps in previous data need to be filled, all exclusions categorised, and comparisons made between the pre- and post-guideline groups.

Project 

This project will estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) among pregnant people around Auckland and will assess whether completion of sleep testing is feasible during pregnancy. Currently, pregnant people are not screened for OSA, so this condition is likely underdiagnosed.

OSA occurs when a person’s airway is blocked during sleep, resulting in intermittent hypoxia. OSA during pregnancy increases the chance of high blood pressure/preeclampsia and may also impact fetal growth. Preeclampsia can be deadly. Preeclampsia complicates up to 8.3% of Maori, 3.7% of NZ European, and 8.3% of Pacific pregnancies. The only treatment for preeclampsia is delivery, which can result in preterm or previable birth. Preeclampsia also increases the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.

There is emerging evidence that treating OSA may reduce the chance of developing preeclampsia. If so, treating OSA would represent a modifiable, treatable risk factor for preeclampsia. Diagnosing and treating OSA may potentially reduce health inequity in preeclampsia and lifetime sequelae.

The role

The student's responsibilities would be:

1) Assistance with recruitment by explaining the study and reviewing the informed consent document

2) Data entry (If interested, the student would be able to learn about overnight sleep tests and would have O&G&Sleep shadowing opportunities.)

Project 

This project aims to understand how hypertensive diseases in a first, term birth impact outcomes in future pregnancies. Our team has assembled a large cohort of all births affected by hypertension in pregnancy for a period of 11 years.

Prior students and researchers have already completed the project for all subsequent pregnancies after preterm births complicated by hypertension, with results presented at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand conference this year. To understand how outcomes differ when a pregnancy is affected later, we need to assess outcomes for subsequent pregnancies in people who gave birth at term gestations.

The role

The student completing this project will be performing the final follow-up project for this large study. The work is important as it will allow us to better guide families affected by complicated births and will assist clinicians in risk-stratification for people going forward.

The supervisors have already supported multiple students in performing parts of this project. We believe this is a unique opportunity to be part of a team answering important questions with robust data.

Project 

We are undertaking an ambitious project to understand how hypertensive diseases impact people in New Zealand. The cohort includes all births affected by hypertension in pregnancy for a period of 11 years. Prior students and researchers have already completed the project for all preterm births, with results already presented at two conferences.

To finish this important project, we need to assess people who gave birth at term gestations.

The role
The student completing this project will be performing the final piece of work for births affected by hypertensive disease. This large study will be able to answer questions about how hypertensive disease presents in term pregnancies (as compared to preterm pregnancies) and whether we note inequities in treatment based on several factors.

The supervisors have already supported multiple students in performing parts of this project. We believe this is a unique opportunity to be part of a team answering important questions with robust data.

Project 

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common symptom and may be a sign of serious underlying pathology. Endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (AEH) is a pre-cancerous condition of the endometrium and is associated with obesity. AEH is being diagnosed in young women in New Zealand who may not yet have completed their family.

The aims of this study are:

(1) To determine the prevalence of AEH, the proportion treated medically, and the response rate to medical treatment

(2) To determine if BMI is associated with response rate

(3) To determine if people who wish for fertility would experience a pregnancy following treatment

(4) To audit the national guideline on fertility-preserving medical management of AEH.

Included in this cohort study are women < 55 years old who had endometrial sampling with a first histologic diagnosis of AEH and treated primarily medically or expectantly. The main comparator will be class of obesity. Data will be collected from medical records.

The role

The successful student will be working alongside a team of Gynaecologists and Registrars and learn skills of literature search, data entry, data analysis and interpretation. Ethics and locality approvals have already been sought.

Project 

This is an outcomes analysis of children having had surgical treatment for supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus, a common yet sometimes complex childhood injury. Māori are likely over represented according to previous research.

The role

The successful student will create a database of children having had surgery for supracondylar fractures (anticipate approximately 250 cases from screening Operating room records). They will then review medical records to collect relevant data (age, gender, ethnicity, injury and treatment details, complications). They will then contact patients and/or parent/caregiver to complete standardized Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) to assess function in general and of the upper extremity.

The student will be able to analyze data and determine whether any baseline variables are associated with better/worse outcomes. Findings can be compared to previous work by Hahn et al., although this study will represent the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The study should provide sufficient quality data for abstract submission to the NZOA Annual Scientific Meeting and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Project 

The rates of psychiatric disorders are increasing worldwide, and it is important that future clinicians can assess and manage these conditions effectively. Presentations for mental health needs can often occur to non-psychiatric disciplines and thus, clinicians from all backgrounds need to have the requisite knowledge, attitudes and skills. However, students and clinicians often have stigma towards mental health or lack the confidence and skills to undertake mental health assessments and how to provide support.

Mental health literacy refers to the knowledge and beliefs about mental health disorders that help individuals recognize, manage, and prevent them. In this study, we aim to undertake a literature review of the measures used to assess mental health literacy in students and clinicians and consider whether these measures could be improved. The findings will help inform the development of better assessment tools of mental health literacy and also identify potential opportunities for students and clinicians to improve their mental health literacy.

The role 

• Reviewing the literature relating to mental health literacy among students and clinicians
• Assessing appropriate measurement tools
• Suggesting ways these tools could be improved
• Analysing, summarising and reporting findings from the literature
• Presenting findings at meetings or conferences where possible
• Working towards publication of findings together with the research team which may continue beyond the research elective
  

Ideal student

• Has prior research knowledge and skills
• Is interested in mental health
• Is keen to work towards future publication
  

Project 

The use of AI-driven tools like ChatGPT is rapidly increasing among patients seeking immediate medical advice outside traditional healthcare settings. While these platforms offer convenience and accessibility, their clinical reliability remains uncertain.

The role

This summer research project aims to evaluate the accuracy, appropriateness, and concordance of ChatGPT-generated medical advice compared with that provided by qualified medical specialists.

A sample of 50–100 anonymised patient-style queries will be compiled from publicly available sources and routine clinical encounters. Each query will be entered into ChatGPT, and responses will be documented. Independently, a panel of medical specialists will respond to the same queries. All responses will be assessed and scored across three dimensions: factual accuracy, clinical appropriateness, and potential risk of harm. Concordance between ChatGPT and expert responses will be evaluated using both statistical agreement metrics and qualitative thematic analysis.

The project will explore domains in which ChatGPT performs well and highlight areas of concern where discrepancies may pose patient safety risks. Findings will contribute to ongoing discussions about the responsible integration of AI into healthcare, especially in patient-facing roles. The student will gain exposure to interdisciplinary research, data analysis, and digital health ethics, with opportunities to present the findings at academic or clinical forums.

Project 

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a chronic neurological condition that often affects young women and can cause disabling symptoms, including persistent headache, visual changes, and fatigue. While the clinical manifestations of IIH are well-documented, there is limited qualitative research exploring how these symptoms affect patients' daily lives, mental health, and ability to function.

The role

This summer studentship project aims to explore the quality of life (QoL) in patients with IIH using structured interviews. The student will conduct one-on-one interviews with patients recruited from neuro-ophthalmology and neurology clinics, focusing on domains such as visual function, pain, emotional wellbeing, cognitive symptoms, employment, and social impact. A semi-standardized interview guide will be developed based on prior literature and validated QoL instruments.

The student will transcribe and thematically analyze the interviews under supervision, identifying key themes and unmet needs. This project will provide valuable insights into the real-world burden of IIH, which may not be fully captured through clinical measures alone. It will also help guide more patient-centered care and future research on therapeutic priorities.

Ideal student

The project is ideal for a student interested in qualitative research, patient experience, and the intersection between neurology and public health.

Project 

New Zealand has seen a resurgence of Bordetella pertussis notifications with over 1,200 reported cases between October 19, 2024, and January 10, 2025. Delayed infant immunisation was previously shown to increase the risk of hospital admission of infants with pertussis. This was described when New Zealand used a whole-cell pertussis vaccine. New Zealand now uses an acellular pertussis vaccine which is less reactogenic but also less immunogenic.

The role

The aim of this project is to determine if delayed receipt of the acellular pertussis vaccine increases the risk of hospital admission with pertussis.
This study will use a case-control design conducted at Starship Children’s Hospital. Cases will be infants hospitalised with pertussis. Controls will be infants hospitalised with bronchiolitis, matched on age. The study interval is from 01/01/2023 to current.

The risk of hospital admission for pertussis is twice as high for Māori compared with non-Māori. One of the two investigators on the project is Māori and chair of the National immunisation taskforce.

Skills gained

The project will teach quantitative data collection and analysis skills and provided an opportunity to become familiar with the Aotearoa Immunisation Register and the Starship Children’s Hospital electronic clinical records.

Project 

Endocarditis and cardiac implantable device (CIED) infections place a significant burden on the populations of the Northern parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. This burden is increased for populations affected by significant health care inequity and rheumatic heart disease.

We aim to review all people (adults and children) presenting with endocarditis/CIED infections in these regions, which serves a population of approximately 2.6 million people, and assess their outcomes.

The role

The study will include those with confirmed or probable endocarditis/CIED between June and November 2025. The data will be collected prospectively with subsequent retrospective data collection and review from the summer students. The data collection will include the review of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, infectious disease, microbiology, radiology, neurology and rehabilitation aspects of each person’s care.

One student will be based in Waikato but will also need to collect data from the Bay of Plenty. A second student will collect the data in Auckland and the Northern region and there will be flexibility for the students to collaborate.

This project will be the first step in implementing the new Australasian Collaboration in Endocarditis registry. We hope this will lead to a presentation at an Australasian cardiac or endocarditis conference and may lead to a publication.

Project 

Couples who experience difficulty conceiving after a year of trying may be considered to have fertility problems, this can affect up to a quarter of those planning for a child. Research suggests that 40% to 50% of cases of subfertility are linked to female reproductive factors. Nutraceuticals, particularly antioxidants, have been proposed as a means of reducing oxidative stress associated with these conditions. However, current evidence on their effectiveness remains limited, with clinical trials yielding mixed results.

Aims

This project seeks to contribute to the update of a widely cited Cochrane systematic review, providing new insights into the role of antioxidants in fertility.

Skills gained

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to gain authorship and develop key research skills, including literature searching, study screening, data extraction, and academic writing.

Project 

Early medical abortion (EMA) is safe and effective; an uncommon but crucial adverse outcome is ongoing live pregnancy. The best method of follow up after EMA to detect ongoing pregnancy is a critical research gap. The Mate Whenua trial (https://www.matewhenua.auckland.ac.nz/) is funded by Health Research council and is a multi centre RCT in 7 sites around NZ. It aims to investigate the most effective and safe follow-up method after EMA. The trial is about to complete recruitment.

The role

This summer studentship involves using our dataset of 750 participants to consider a new cohort study exploring the association of different demographic or clinical variables with the primary outcomes of effectiveness or safety or long-acting reversible contraception use.

Skills gained

These include literature search, working with a research team, data analysis, and drafting a paper for publication or poster for presentation at a conference.

Project 

Modern cardiovascular care relies on weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings that integrate cardiology, cardiac surgery, imaging, anaesthesia and nursing expertise. Despite their proven benefit, MDTs are time-intensive and outcomes can vary with workload, experience mix and guideline familiarity. Large-language-model (LLM) chatbots have shown promise in rapidly synthesising guideline-based recommendations, yet their real-world concordance with expert MDT decisions is unknown.

The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and 2023 American Heart Association (AHA/ACC) guidelines together span >1,200 pages across coronary, valvular, aortic, heart-failure and arrhythmia disease. Integrating this knowledge into an AI assistant could standardise decision-support and relieve cognitive load – provided its outputs are accurate, transparent and align with clinical reality.

Hypothesis
An LLM-based chatbot – fine-tuned on contemporary ESC and AHA cardiovascular guidelines – will demonstrate =80?% agreement with heart-team MDT treatment decisions for complex cardiovascular cases, both prospectively and retrospectively.

Aim
To build, deploy and validate an AI “Heart-Team-Bot” that delivers guideline-driven recommendations and to quantify its concordance with expert MDT decisions.

Objectives

• Model development: Fine-tune a GPT-4-class model on structured representations of ESC and AHA guidelines (2019-2025 editions).
• Engineer a prompt framework that ingests patient demographics, investigations and comorbidities and returns recommended diagnosis, treatment and explanatory guideline citations.
• Prospective validation (3?months): Student attends each weekly cardiovascular MDT (˜12 meetings); records anonymised clinical inputs; queries the bot; logs recommendation before MDT verdict; computes agreement.
• Retrospective validation (4-year archive): Extract de-identified MDT summaries (˜800 patients); feed each case into the bot; compare with archived outcomes.
  

Methods
Data collection

• Prospective: Structured case-report form capturing demographics, imaging metrics, comorbidities, EuroSCORE II.
• Retrospective: Scripted extraction from electronic MDT records; manual quality check.

Chatbot architecture

• Foundation model: OpenAI GPT-4-Turbo; guideline corpus to JSON; retrieval-augmented generation; secure web interface.
  

Project 

The pre-injury health status of a patient as a significant impact on recovery outcomes in spinal cord injury (SCI). Such comorbidity can influence recovery outcomes, ranging from enhancing secondary to impeding engagement with rehabilitation. This is an important consideration as there is an increase in the age of which individuals are having injuries; in 2023 over 50% of injuries in Aotearoa where in people over the age of 60 and individuals over the age of 60 are more likely to have pre-existing health conditions.

The effect that pre-existing medical conditions may have on quality-of-life measures following SCI is not well understood, and no analysis has been done of data from Aotearoa/New Zealand. Understanding how specific pre-existing health conditions affect recovery can inform treatment strategies and improve patient prognoses and recovery.

The role

This project will involve a retrospective review of data collected in the New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Registry. This study will aim to understand what effect pre-existing health conditions may have on outcomes following SCI in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

This project is a collaboration between the University of Auckland and the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit.

Project 

Background and aim

New Zealand has a high suicide rate in comparison to other countries internationally and the impact of suicide is far-reaching. Education of health professionals has been demonstrated to have a strong evidence-base for effectiveness in preventing suicide. The aim of this project is to design and evaluate suicide prevention online multimedia resources for health professionals.

The role

• Liaise with stakeholders
• Conduct a scoping literature review
• Design a REDCap questionnaire.

The student will gain a range of analytic skills.

Outcome

By the end of this project, we will have created a multi-media, multi-disciplinary resource about suicide, consisting of a podcast series, which can be used in training undergraduate health students. We will develop recommendations for teaching approaches for educators wishing to use this resource in health curricula.

Project 

In New Zealand 1 in 8 adults are readmitted to hospital after discharge. Discharge summaries are a key source of information and communication. Yet, due to systemic pressures, discharge summaries are often written for other health professionals and are not always patient-centred.

The role

This summer research project will explore the experiences of patients and their whanau with discharge summaries.

Objectives

• To explore the perceptions of patients and their whanau of discharge summaries.
• To explore improvements to discharge summaries

To achieve these aims, the student will be interviewing individuals and their whanau who have been discharged home from hospital to explore their experiences and perceptions of the discharge summary. The student will have the chance to work in a supportive and multidisciplinary research team at both the University and Te Toka Tumai Auckland. They will experience real world clinical data collection and analysis and work with a wide range of stakeholders.

Ideal student

Experience working in a clinical healthcare setting and knowledge of qualitive research are desirable but not necessary.

Project 

Two students

Endocarditis and cardiac implantable device (CIED) infections place a significant burden on the populations of the Northern parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. This burden is increased for populations affected by significant health care inequity and rheumatic heart disease. We aim to review all people (adults and children) presenting with endocarditis/CIED infections in these regions, which serves a population of approximately 2.6 million people, and assess their outcomes.

The role

The study will include those with definite or possible endocarditis/CIED between June and November 2025. The data will be collected prospectively with subsequent retrospective data collection and review from the summer students. The data collection will include the review of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, infectious disease, microbiology, radiology, neurology and rehabilitation aspects of each person’s care.

One student will be based in Auckland but will also need to collect data from Te Tai Tokerau (Whangarei Hospital). A second student will collect the data in Waikato/Bay of Plenty, and there will be flexibility for the students to collaborate.

This project will be the first step in implementing the new Australasian Collaboration in Endocarditis infective endocarditis registry. We hope this will lead to a presentation at an Australasian cardiac/endocarditis conference and may lead to a publication.

Project 

Clozapine is a psychotropic medication that is effective for the treatment of a serious mental illness, namely schizophrenia. International data shows that in children and young people (CAYP – those aged <25) clozapine may be often underutilised, which could be due to several factors

The role

New Zealand currently lacks any peer-reviewed published epidemiological data on clozapine prescription rates for CAYP. This project will therefore involve collecting and synthesizing epidemiological data from Health NZ on the use of clozapine for CAYP, including prescription rates, diagnosis, age, ethnicity, and side effects. This data will help us understand the how clozapine is used for CAYP in New Zealand, which can be matched against international trends. Understanding any differences between specific cultural groups, including New Zealand European, Maori and Pasifika, will also be an important and novel contribution to the literature.

Project 

Clozapine is a psychotropic medication that is effective for the treatment of a serious mental illness, namely schizophrenia. International data shows that in children and young people (CAYP – those aged <25) clozapine may be often underutilised, which could be due to several factors

The role

New Zealand currently lacks any peer-reviewed published epidemiological data on clozapine prescription rates for CAYP. This project will therefore involve collecting and synthesizing epidemiological data from Health NZ on the use of clozapine for CAYP, including prescription rates, diagnosis, age, ethnicity, and side effects. This data will help us understand the how clozapine is used for CAYP in New Zealand, which can be matched against international trends. Understanding any differences between specific cultural groups, including New Zealand European, Maori and Pasifika, will also be an important and novel contribution to the literature.

Project 

Clozapine is a psychotropic medication that is effective for the treatment of a serious mental illness, namely schizophrenia. International data shows that in children and young people (CAYP – those aged <25) clozapine may be often underutilised. This could be due to several factors including concern about side effect profile.

The role

Understanding the views of psychiatrists who prescribe clozapine for CAYP in New Zealand, including any barriers to prescribing, is important, yet no such data currently exists. This project seeks to understand psychiatrists’ views on clozapine prescribing for CAYP in New Zealand by conducting a qualitative survey and data analysis. This data can be matched against international trends and help to provide solutions to barriers for clozapine use both in NZ and internationally.

Project 

Babies born prematurely are at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness. Retinal screening identifies babies needing treatment and for extremely premature babies (23 and 24 week gestation) a significant proportion require intravitreal injections of anti- vascular endothelial growth factor to treat aggressive ROP. This slows normal vascularisation and many babies require retinal laser treatment at a later date

A previous study found that 50% of babies requiring treatment for ROP in Auckland were of Maori or Pasifika descent although these groups made up only 18.4% of all newborns.

The role

This project aims to:

• Identify the extent and timing of vascularisation after anti-VEGF treatment for 25 babies in the last 7 years compared to age-matched premature babies not requiring treatment using retinal photographs
• Identify the need for further treatment and visual outcomes using patient records 
• Determine outcomes based on ethnicity    

There will be opportunity to present outcomes/findings at meetings and prepare data for publication. Ethics is already in place.

Project 

Cancer treatment and survival have improved in the last decade. Despite this many survivors suffer the negative effects of cancer treatment. Prehabilitation is the concept of building resilience in people with cancer prior to the start of treatment and prior to side effects. The prehabilitation in cancer research group utilises mixed methods (qualitative, and quantitative including lab functional mri and qualitative patient centred research) to develop Prehabilitation programs for people with cancer.

The role

The student would work on data acquisition and analysis during their summer project. Their time during the project would give them experience with patient centric healthcare research in the cancer supportive care space. They will be supervised by a clinical academic practicing in anaesthesia and an exercise scientists – thus getting a well rounded experience and insight into clinical academic pathways.

Project 

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is when the heart rate increases excessively with standing. Accompanying symptoms include dizziness/ light-headedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, and brain fog. POTS can have a big impact on everyday life, but we do not understand what causes it.

The role

The aim of this project is to undertake a comprehensive assessment of blood vessel structure, function and regulation in POTS. More specifically, we will make comparisons between POTS patients and matched controls regarding central and peripheral arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), endothelial function (flow mediated dilatation), arterial baroreceptor function and venous function (venous occlusion plethysmography).

These investigations will provide novel insights into how vascular structure, function and regulation are altered in POTS. This may help improve and personalise the treatment of patients with POTS.

Skills required

Awillingness to work with human/volunteer participants, an interest in cardiovascular physiology, experience or a willingness to undertake detailed data analysis (e.g., R script, excel, graphpad etc).

Project 

Aortic dissection (i.e., tear in the aorta) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Outcomes have remained unchanged over the past two decades. The most prevalent modifiable risk factor amongst aortic dissection patients is hypertension.

Hypertension in aortic dissection has features of sympathetic nervous system over-activity. Specifically, aortic dissection patients often suffer resistant hypertension despite being on 3-4 anti-hypertensives. Furthermore, aortic dissection onset occurs due to emotion or exertion/exercise, and is related to circadian and seasonal variation (particularly cold temperatures). It affects younger patients and can be related to sympathomimetic ingestion. However, to date, the sympathetic nervous system has not been investigated as a pathogenic feature of hypertension in aortic dissection.

The role

Our central hypothesis is that blood pressure control in aortic dissection patients is neurogenic in origin; characterised by elevated resting sympathetic nerve activity and exaggerated sympathetic and blood pressure reactivity to stress (e.g., mental stress, exercise). To explore this we will deep phenotype survivors of aortic dissection.

Ideal student

We seek a student with:

• An interest in clinical cardiovascular science
• Experience/willingness to work with human volunteer participants
• Experience/willingness to undertake data analysis (e.g., R script, excel, Graphpad)
  

Project 

Clinical-level conduct problems in young children can be difficult for families to manage and may lead to long-term challenges. Evidence-based treatments often include teaching parents strategies such as time-out, which research shows is safe and effective when used as recommended. However, both clinicians and parents can be reluctant to use time-out, and many seek advice from social media influencers who may promote alternative approaches.

The role

This study will examine alternative strategies to time-out recommended by popular parenting influencers on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. You will analyse social media posts from a specified time period, focusing on content that (a) discusses time-out and (b) proposes a different way for parents to respond to child non-compliance.

Your responsibilities will include reviewing and analysing social media content and contributing to the writing of a journal article, on which you will be listed as an author.

Skills gained

This is a great opportunity to develop research skills on a fun and engaging project.

Required skills

Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential.

Project 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well established for imaging the organs of the abdomen and pelvis. In recent years it has been having an increasingly important role in the evaluation of the pancreas. Although abdominal computed tomography remains valuable, the contemporary emphasis on decreasing patient radiation exposure is driving practice toward non-ionising modalities such as MRI.

The inherent dynamic properties of MRI, its superior tissue contrast, and cross-sectional capabilities offer additional advantages.

The role

The aim of this project is to contribute to advancing our knowledge on clinical usefulness of quantitative imaging biomarkers derived from MRI of the pancreas. Depending on the learning goals of the successful candidate, the project may involve a quantitative analysis of the existing images or else a meta-analysis of published studies. Either way, it is expected that results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The project is part of a larger research theme of the COSMOS (Clinical and epidemiOlogical inveStigations in Metabolism, nutritiOn, and pancreatitic diseaseS) group. The group offers a vibrant research environment, comprehensive research training, and clinical research experience

Project 

This kotaha/project estimates the prevalence of mate hoto hau(MHH)/ obstructive sleep apnoea among hapu Mama/ pregnant people and assesses whether completion of sleep testing is feasible during pregnancy. Hapu Mama are not routinely screened for MMH, so this condition is likely underdiagnosed.

MHH during pregnancy increases the chance of developing pehanga toto i te hapuutanga, preeclampsia, and may also impact fetal growth. Preeclampsia can be deadly. Preeclampsia complicates up to 8.3% of Maori, 3.7% of NZ European, and 8.3% of Pacific pregnancies. The only treatment for preeclampsia is delivery, which can result in preterm or previable birth. Preeclampsia also increases the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.

Treating MHH may reduce the chance of developing preeclampsia. If so, treating MHH would represent a modifiable, treatable risk factor for preeclampsia. Diagnosing and treating MHH may potentially reduce health inequities in preeclampsia and lifetime sequelae.

The role
The student's role/responsibilities would be:

1) Assisting with recruitment by whakawhanaungatanga/ making connections and relationships with hapu Mama and providers

2) Explaining the kotaha and reviewing the informed consent document at clinics, wananga events, or haputanga wananga/ pregnancy classes aimed to serve Maori and Pasifika communities

3) Data entry (The student would have O&G&Sleep shadowing opportunities. https://www.sleeppregnancy.auckland.ac.nz/)

Project 

There is a large and growing gap between New Zealand and other OECD nations with respect to drugs funded for treatment of myeloma (a common blood cancer). There are limited available data describing contemporary survival outcomes for patients with myeloma in New Zealand, neither from diagnosis nor particularly with respect to survival beyond treatment with lenalidomide (until recently our last meaningful treatment option for patients).

We have a 400-500 patient cohort at Waitemata from whom these outcomes could be described. We feel that our patient outcomes will be poorer than other OECD nations (hypothesis: due to fewer available therapies), and these data may be used for advocacy for future patient drug access in NZ.

The role

We are seeking a motivated student to assist with this retrospective audit. The selected candidate would benefit from an introduction to haematology and myeloma, and a close working relationship with friendly haematologists. Practically this would involve participating in study design, data collection from electronic records, and assistance with academic writing. Through the process they would learn how to optimally design a retrospective study.

We belive that the data generated will be highly publishable. The intent is to publish this dataset in a credible medical/haematology journal.

Project 

We have an exciting project that takes a deep dive into the world of dry eye drops and the different components incorporated within contemporary commercial products.

The role

The project focuses on conducting a review of scientific literature to evaluate the key constituents and the evidence surrounding their mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits and potential side effects. The review will contribute to a published scientific article and also inform development of an evidence-based clinical guide for health care professionals who encounter patients affected by dry eye, such as optometrists, pharmacists and general practitioners.

By providing immediate benefits to health care professionals, the study has the potential to favourably impact quality of life for the dry eye community.

Project 

Join our summer studentship project to explore the dynamics of dry eye disease (DED). We will focus on the evaporative subtype caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD disrupts the lipid layer of the tear film, leading to increased tear evaporation and discomfort.

The role

This project will evaluate how dry eye symptoms and signs fluctuate throughout the day – and investigate lifestyle factors, such as digital screen use, that may influence these changes.

The findings may help guide future interventions to manage symptom variability and improve comfort for individuals with dry eye.

Ideal student

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly relevant area of ocular research, ideal for students with an interest in biology, optometry, or healthcare.

Project 

Heart failure (HF) affects 2% of the population and remains a common cause for hospitalisation in New Zealand. Prehospital diagnosis of HF relies on clinical assessment, including medical history and examination, and limited tests, such as chest X-Ray and blood markers. Despite such tests, the accurate diagnosis of HF for patients presenting in primary care can be challenging. Early diagnosis, can lead to early treatment and potential to prevent hospitalisation.

The role

At present there are no data on the pre-hospital presentation for patients who are admitted to hospital with HF in NZ. This includes lack of knowledge of duration of preceding symptoms, contact with health services and investigations done prior to the admission.

Objectives
To investigate the pre-hospital phase for patients presenting to hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure.

The research will include working with the Heart Function team at Te Toka Tumai Auckland Hospital, assessment of the presentation to hospital and interviews with patients with HF.

Skills gained
The scholarship will provide experience working with a dynamic multidisciplinary clinical team alongside experienced clinical researchers. Skills expected to be developed will include research data collection, data management, analysis and interpretation, and upskilling in the management of patients with HF.

Project 

This project aims to examine post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), with a specific focus on the role of chest drains in mitigating these complications.

CRS and HIPEC is a major operation used to treat advanced peritoneal malignancies, often involving extensive surgical resection and the administration of heated chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity. Diaphragmatic peritonectomy and/or diaphragmatic excision is common, with entry to the pleural space from the abdominal cavity possible.

Due to the complexity of the procedure, patients are at heightened risk of PPCs, such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and respiratory failure. Prophylactic chest drains are hypothesized to influence the incidence and severity of these complications but this is controversial and not routinely practiced in Waikato.

The role

This is a retrospective cohort study based on a prospective database. It will assess the incidence of PPCs, explore risk factors for PPCs and examine the role of chest drains. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of chest drains in the management of respiratory complications and inform clinical practice for CRS and HIPEC procedures.

Project 

Resource constraints in Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health system led to the creation of a National Prioritisation Tool (NPT) to determine eligibility and timing for elective surgery for benign conditions. The NPT, used across Health New Zealand regions, combines clinician assessment and patient questionnaires to generate a CPAC score, which guides surgical prioritisation. However, treatment thresholds vary by region based on surgical capacity. If a patient’s score is below the threshold, they may be discharged without surgery unless overridden by a clinician.

The role

While the NPT aims to be objective, concerns exist about its potential to worsen health inequities, particularly for Māori. Māori already face systemic inequities in healthcare, and the NPT has not been formally evaluated for its equity impact. This study aims to examine equity of access to benign elective general surgery procedures for Māori and non-Māori and identify barriers to care if inequity exists. It is a retrospective study of patients referred to the General Surgery Department in Waikato Hospital.

Project 

Early warning scores calculated from vital signs are an essential part of modern ward-based care, triggering emergency teams to identify and ‘rescue’ deteriorating patients. New models include the potential for patients or whanau to activate urgent clinical review when they sense deterioration. Despite global uptake, evidence on implementation, safety, and equity remains fragmented.

Aim

We will map and synthesise the literature on family- and patient-escalated care systems for recognising and responding to in-hospital deterioration.

Methods

We will search scientific databases and grey-literature sources from 2000-2025. Eligible records will describe design, implementation, utilisation, or outcomes of family/patient escalation mechanisms. Reviewers will screen titles/abstracts and full texts, chart data on programme characteristics, activation triggers, uptake, clinical outcomes, patient-family experience, cultural considerations, and barriers/facilitators. Findings will be collated into a descriptive map and thematic synthesis, highlighting literature gaps to guide future research.

Student timeline

• Weeks 1-2: protocol finalisation, literature search
• Weeks 3-4: screening
• Weeks 5-6: data extraction and quality appraisal
• Weeks 7-8: thematic synthesis and evidence-gap mapping
• Weeks 9-10: prepare manuscript and studentship report

Significance

This scoping review, focused on family/patient escalation, will inform New Zealand hospitals designing culturally responsive patient and whanau-initiated escalation pathways. It will also identify research priorities for safer, whanau-centred care.

Project 

Timely initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy following colorectal cancer surgery significantly improves long-term survival, particularly in stage III disease. However, postoperative complications may disrupt recovery, delay treatment, or preclude patients from receiving chemotherapy altogether.    

The role

This project will investigate the relationship between postoperative complications and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy using linked data from the New Zealand National Minimum Dataset (NMDS), New Zealand Cancer Registry (NZCR), Mortality Collection (MORT) and Pharmaceutical Collections (PHARMS ).   

We will identify patients who underwent curative-intent colorectal cancer surgery from 2010-2024 and assess rates and timing of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation. Complications will be identified from NMDS diagnostic and procedural codes. Multivariable regression models will evaluate the association between complications and chemotherapy receipt, adjusted for cancer stage, age, comorbidity, and demographic factors.

A secondary analysis will explore whether delayed or absent chemotherapy is associated with reduced long-term survival.   

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how perioperative morbidity affects downstream cancer care and outcomes in Aotearoa. Findings may inform perioperative recovery strategies, risk stratification tools, and equitable cancer care pathways, particularly for populations disproportionately affected by surgical complications and treatment delays.

Project 

High-risk neutropenic fever is associated with serious adverse effects which includes severe sepsis, ICU admission and invasive fungal disease. But, fevers can occur due to multiple reasons in haematology patients – medications, infection, mucositis, inflammation and allergies. Determining the true cause can be difficult due to the absence of localising signs and symptoms.

The role

This project looks to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in the Haematology Unit at Auckland City Hospital. Local guidelines advocate for short course antibiotics in neutropaenic fever with rapid clinical improvement and an absence of positive cultures to direct therapy. AMS has a long-term goal of optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents, reduce resistance and minimise adverse events.

The studentship would involve a baseline audit looking at adherence with this guideline and antimicrobial consumption. Further analysis will occur after a survey and subsequent semi-structured interviews on which to base interventions – likely using credible sources (champions), role modelling, education, posters, before re-auditing and assessing and comparing antimicrobial use based on days on therapy.

Skills gained

These include data input and analysis, understanding of clinical cases and protocols, close collaboration with the Infectious Diseases research team and authorship when proceeding to publication and presentation.

Project 

Pregnant women with cardiac diseases are at increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and baby, especially if their condition is not well managed. Clinicians in the Obstetric Medicine Clinic at Counties Manukau, South Auckland, have noticed an apparent rise in pregnancies complicated by cardiac disease, particularly valvular disease. However, the true prevalence and impact in this socioeconomically deprived, high-needs population remain unknown.

The role

This studentship has two aims.

Firstly, it will involve a literature review of cardiac diseases in pregnancy across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, to provide regional context.

Secondly, the project will analyse 10-year trends (2014–2024) in rheumatic valvular disease among women giving birth in Counties Manukau, using ICD-coded hospital and/or BadgerNet maternity data. Demographics and associated maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes will be recorded. These include death, cardiac complications, postpartum haemorrhage, preterm birth or other associated fetal/neonatal outcomes like pregnancy losses, and neonatal intensive care admissions.

The findings will form a local repository of valvular cardiac disease in pregnancy over a ten-year period and determine the proportion and type of valvular cardiac conditions. This data can inform most affected vulnerable populations (Māori and Pacific) and enhance future service planning to improve outcomes for mothers and babies in this region.

Project 

Pacific women admitted to Middlemore Hospital with diabetes in pregnancy report significant challenges managing blood glucose at home, acknowledging traditional eating habits, family beliefs, and home circumstances as major barriers. Many express that individual dietary changes are difficult without family understanding and support.

Aims

This project aims to:

1) Conduct a literature review of family-based interventions for diabetes management in pregnancy across diverse ethnic groups

2) Use talanoa methodology to explore Pacific women’s experiences and perspectives on culturally appropriate family interventions.

Following ethical approval, up to seven women from different Pacific ethnicities (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji (Itaukei), Fijian Indian, Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati/Tuvaluan, or other) will be recruited from Ward 21 or the diabetes in pregnancy clinic, Counties Manukau.

Individual talanoa will explore home dynamics, cultural beliefs, dietary practices, barriers to glucose control, and openness to family-focused support and co-designed interventions. Findings from this research will form the basis for a larger study of interventions to support pregnant Pacific women with diabetes.

Ideal student

This ten-week project, is suitable for a Pacific or culturally competent student. It will generate critical insights for culturally tailored family interventions to improve blood glucose control and health outcomes for Pacific, Māori, and multiethnic communities in Counties Manukau.

Project 

This student project will investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and HLA-B27-associated uveitis, a common and recurrent form of anterior uveitis. Notably, this condition shows clear seasonal variation, with increased incidence in winter when vitamin D levels are typically lower. Vitamin D plays a key role in immune regulation, and deficiency may contribute to heightened inflammation and increased disease activity. This study aims to assess vitamin D levels in patients with HLA-B27 uveitis and explore associations with disease onset, severity, and recurrence.

The role and skills gained

The project provides an excellent introduction to clinical ophthalmic research. Students will develop skills in conducting literature reviews, obtaining informed consent, and taking focused ophthalmic histories. Under supervision, they will learn how to perform slit lamp examinations and participate in both acute and specialist uveitis clinics, gaining practical exposure to a wide range of ocular inflammatory conditions. They will also assist with data collection and statistical analysis and contribute to manuscript preparation for potential publication.

Ethics approval has been submitted, and the project is ready to commence once approved. This hands-on experience offers valuable insights into ophthalmology, clinical research, and the interplay between systemic health and ocular disease—ideal for students considering a future in medicine or vision science.

Project 

This student project will include a scoping review on the association between herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and cognitive impairment, including dementia. HZO, a reactivation of varicella-zoster virus in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, is known for its ocular complications, but emerging research suggests it may also play a role in triggering neuroinflammation and accelerating cognitive decline. This review will explore existing evidence to determine what is currently known, where gaps exist, and how this might inform future research and patient care.

Skills gained

The student will gain research experience in systematically searching academic databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar), critically appraising and analysing the literature, and synthesising results using thematic analysis. They will contribute to report writing and may co-author a peer-reviewed publication.

In addition to developing core research skills, the student will be embedded in an active clinical research environment, attending acute and specialist uveitis clinics. They will observe clinical decision-making, participate in case discussions, and develop a foundational understanding of ophthalmology, including the systemic and neurological implications of ocular disease.

Ideal student

This project is ideal for students with an interest in ophthalmology, optometry, neurology, or public health, and offers the opportunity to contribute to an important and evolving area of research.

Project 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Aotearoa New Zealand, with significant ethnic disparities in outcomes, particularly for Māori men, who experience higher mortality rates. Despite lower incidence, Māori men are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, resulting in poorer survival outcomes. Advanced prostate cancer, an incurable diagnosis, often requires intensive treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.

The role
This retrospective audit will evaluate outcomes for men with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer under the care of the Te Toka Tumai Auckland medical oncology regional service. The study will assess disease stage at presentation to medical oncology, ethnicity, treatment received (including the uptake of additional therapies such as docetaxel and abiraterone), and survival outcomes.

Skills gained

The summer student will learn skills in data management, use of clinical outcome data, oral and written reporting, manuscript drafting. They will be included in authorship of work arising from this data. Ethics approval will be in place. They will work closely with the clinical genitourinary medical oncology team. This project suits a student with an interest in oncology.

Project 

Germ cell tumours (GCT) are the most common malignancy affecting adolescent and young adult males. Rates of testicular cancer are increasing and AoNZ has one of the highest rates. The rate of testicular GCT among Māori men aged 15–44 (28/100,000) is substantially greater than for Pacific men (9/100,000), a rare example of difference in the incidence of any disease.

Although most patients with good prognostic features have excellent outcomes, the international cure rates for male patients with advanced disease and intermediate or poor prognostic features are only 79% and 48% respectively.

The role

This retrospective audit of outcomes for men with GCT (all stages of disease) under the care of the Te Toka Tumai Auckland medical oncology regional service since 2008 will be the first retrospective audit of outcomes for men with GCT from Auckland. It will evaluate disease stage at presentation, ethnicity, treatment received and survival outcomes.

Skills gained

The summer student will learn skills in data management, excel, use of clinical outcome data, oral and written reporting, manuscript drafting. They will be included in authorship of work arising from this data.

Ethics approval is in place.

The student will work closely with the clinical genitourinary medical oncology team. This project suits a student with an interest in oncology.

Project

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is increasing globally with the demand for psychiatric services also increasing. However, presentations occur frequently to the Emergency Department prior to engagement with psychiatric services. In this study, we aim to understand better how psychiatric presentations may occur within working hours or oncall, the nature of the presenting complaint and whether there may be cultural differences in how people may present. The findings will help inform the development of better pathways for mental health assessment and management.

Skills gained

The summer research student will be able to develop the following skills:

• Reviewing the literature relating to mental health assessments in the Emergency Department
• Examining appropriate triage, assessment and disposition pathways
• Suggesting ways these processes could be improved
• Analysing, summarising and reporting findings from the literature and from Emergency Department presentations and coding systems
• Presenting findings at meetings or conferences where possible
• Working towards publication of findings together with the research team which may continue beyond the research elective

Ideal  student
• Prior research knowledge and skills
• Interest in mental health
• Keenness to work towards future publication

Project

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous condition of movement and posture attributed to a non-progressive and permanent insult to the infant brain. Management of this life-long condition is complex, with common associated comorbidities, including visual, intellectual impairments and epilepsy, having a significant impact.

The NZ Cerebral Palsy Register (NZCPR) holds health information, collected with consent, from approximately 1800 children and adults with CP, with 28% being Māori. Forty percent of children with CP have epilepsy, contributing to 8% of all paediatric epilepsy admissions in AoNZ. Knowledge about Māori children with CP-related epilepsy on the use of anti-seizure medications and service delivery is lacking.

The role

This project will use data from NZCPR and health records to understand epilepsy management for children with CP in AoNZ. The project involves developing skills on defining epilepsy presentation and management in CP, large dataset analysis and presentation. The project includes a NZCPR dataset review and clinical record audit (Auckland region) to describe epilepsy management and timing of access to service provision. This information will provide high-quality data for tamariki Māori with whaikaha / disability to support health outcomes and advocacy.

Project

For many older people living with significant frailty, living at home becomes increasingly challenging, and the transition to long-term care (LTC) is needed. Ideally, this transition is a planned one that occurs from within the community. However, for many older people this is not possible and occurs during an acute hospitalisation, for a variety of possible reasons.

Significant pressures currently exist within health and social care. Delays in discharge to LTC from hospitals can prolong length-of-stay for older people, which can cause individual harm, and which can impact the overall hospital flow and capacity.

The role
We wish to perform a retrospective analysis of the general and health demographics and prior healthcare utilisation of older people previously residing at home, but who transition to LTC during an acute hospitalisation. This may potentially inform future studies aimed at earlier interventions to reduce pressures on acute hospital services.

Skills gained

•  Literature review/critical appraisal
• Quantitative research methods including working with databases, descriptive statistical analysis and presentation
• Academic writing/manuscript preparation

Ideal student

• Good communication skills and ability to work within a team
• The ability to undertake some self-directed work
  

Project

Paediatric liver transplantation provides effective treatment for children with end-stage chronic liver disease. Patient survival is approximately 95% at 10 years after transplantation. It is therefore important to study the long-term effects of immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent organ rejection as adverse effects of these have become sources of morbidity after transplant.

At Starship we have transplanted over 200 children. We have a rigorous post-transplant surveillance protocol including bloods tests, ultrasound scans and liver biopsies. These convey a burden to patients and whanau in attending for these tests. Māori and Pacific children are over-represented in the paediatric transplant population, and often exhibit poorer access to hospital.

The role

We wish to ensure we apply the latest evidence to this protocol. We wish to know the yield of investigations and whether they are guiding patient management. The aim of this study is to investigate the yield of protocol investigations after paediatric liver transplantation, specifically to update the current protocol, removing any redundant investigations.

Ideal student

The information is available in digital files. Candidates will need to be familiar with spreadsheets, sourcing data and literature searching. The supervisor is based at Starship and will provide desk space and computer access, although much can be performed remotely.

Project

It has been shown that interhospital variation in mortality after post-surgical complications is not necessarily due to differences in the incidence of complications – but by differences in survival after a post-surgical complication, with the highest performing hospitals having systems-based procedures that lead to earlier recognition and treatment of post-operative decline.

Waikato Hospital currently utilises a system of intermittent, nurse-lead, manual vital signs checks for the majority of post-surgical patients. Vital sign parameters are recorded on the national vital signs chart to calculate the New Zealand Early Warning Score which aims to aid early detection of clinical deterioration and escalation of care.

The role

Recent research found that incorporating of markers of nursing clinical concern into a standard EWS reduced mortality by 30% in a broad hospital population. We would like to see if the same markers of nursing concern could be incorporated into the NZEWS to allow earlier identification and rescue of at-risk post-surgical patients at Waikato Hospital.

The student will conduct a retrospective audit of post-surgical patients at Waikato Hospital from the Patient At Risk and Medical Emergency Team call databases. This will establish whether markers of nursing concern can be used, and whether they identify patients who deteriorate.

Project

Caregiver-Infant Interaction (CII) encompasses the emotional and behavioural exchanges between caregiver and infant. These interactions are critical for social-emotional and cognitive development, influencing attachment quality and shaping brain structures involved in emotional expression and regulation.

The role

This study aims to develop a clinically useful observational tool to assess CII quality in the New Zealand context. We will use data from the longitudinal Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) study of mothers and their children prenatally exposed to methamphetamine and unexposed control dyads.

Existing tools, mostly developed overseas, are often complex, costly, and require extensive training, limiting their clinical utility. They also fail to consider cultural variations, particularly in Māori dyads, where conceptions of attachment may differ. This study seeks to create an accessible, easy-to-use, and culturally sensitive tool that supports clinicians in identifying interaction patterns and guiding interventions.

Skills gained

• Understanding key features of CII, including caregiver and infant responsiveness and affect, caregiver structuring and hostility, and dyadic synchrony.
• Coding recorded caregiver-infant interactions at age 2 years using the draft tool
• Analysing the tool’s reliability, i.e., inter-rater reliability and internal consistency
• Summarising and reporting findings
  

Project

Paediatric liver transplantation provides effective treatment for children with end-stage liver disease. It can also be used in children with certain inherited metabolic liver diseases where a genetic mutation leads to defective enzyme production predominantly by the liver. These children usually do not have intrinsic liver disease, but may have multi-system involvement of their metabolic disease eg kidney or brain disease.

The role

The role of liver transplantation in some metabolic diseases is well-defined but less well in others. This study will utilise the Australia and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry to investigate which metabolic conditions have led to liver transplantation in Australia and New Zealand over the last 40 years, whether there was any variability in indications across the four transplanting centres, and complications and outcomes of the transplant transplanted compared to transplanted children generally.

In NZ, Māori and Pacific children are over-represented in the paediatric liver transplant population and outcomes of transplant can be compared across ethnicities.

Required skills

The student will need to be able to construct spreadsheets, collect data, and undertake literature searching. The supervisor works at Starship and can provide a desk, but much of the work can be carried out remotely.

Project

The introduction of innovative mental health treatments – such as psychedelic-assisted therapy, ketamine, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) – into publicly funded mental health services presents both promise and profound challenges. Despite growing evidence supporting their efficacy, these interventions often encounter significant barriers to equitable and effective implementation, including limited financial and human resources and systemic resistance to change within established healthcare structures.

The role

This research project will focus on exploring these barriers in depth by critically engaging with published literature, policy documents, and other relevant resources to understand how novel treatments can be responsibly and sustainably integrated into public mental health systems, with particular attention to issues of access, cultural appropriateness, and long-term impact.

Skills gained

The summer research student will be able to develop the following skills:

• Reviewing the literature relating to innovative mental health treatments introduced into publicly funded mental health services.
•  Suggesting ways these services could be improved
• Presenting findings at meetings or conferences where possible
• Working towards publication of findings together with the research team which may continue beyond the research elective

Ideal student

•  Prior research knowledge and skills
• Interest in mental health
• Keenness to work towards future publication
  

Project

‘Whanau’ and ‘family’ describe those in close relationship and important to individuals from all cultures. Whanau can be potent allies in healthcare linked to safe, quality care. Policies exist for bedside whanau involvement in care, but delivery varies, and these policies lack the depth required to address nuances of cultural diversity.

The role

Key drivers for this project include the need for clinical care and quality improvement to be informed by evidence. As part of a larger project, we will aggregate national data describing events where not attending to whanau concerns has resulted in adverse events for the patient. This includes data from HDEC tribunal cases.

Objectives

Collate data from HDEC tribunal cases over the last 10 years for commentary around failure to listen to whanau, including cause, contributing factors and associated patient outcomes. Cases include public hospital incidents and potential environments such as residential care facilities and other community settings.

Skills gained

• Data search and review
• Basic research skills, including data quality appraisal
• Data interpretation and presentation
• Professional scientific writing and the publication process
  

Project

‘Whanau’ and ‘family’ describe those in close relationship and important to individuals from all cultures. Whanau can be potent allies in healthcare. Patient- and whanau-centred care are essential aspects of care for Māori, and for all, and are linked to safe, quality care.

Policies exist for bedside whanau involvement in care, but delivery varies, and these policies lack the depth required to address nuances of cultural diversity. Moreover, there is limited understanding about how patients, whanau and health professionals want whanau-centric inpatient care to look.

Objectives

A scoping literature review to describe how good patient- and whanau-centred care is defined in the inpatient environment in Aotearoa will include empirical and grey literature, including tabloid data, policy and position statements from the NZNC Qual and Safety Commission, HDEC tribunal data in cases where not listening to whanau was a factor in the decision, and similar.

Skills gained

• Literature search and review.
• Basic research skills, including data collection methods and data quality appraisal.
• Data interpretation and presentation.
• Professional scientific writing and the publication process.

The student will be based at the School of Nursing, University of Auckland.

Project

Join a groundbreaking project this summer and help reshape the way surgical anatomy is taught and practised. We're creating the most detailed and accurate 3D digital atlas of the head and neck ever made – combining cutting-edge imaging, plastinated cadaver slices, and advanced software development to produce a fully interactive, open-source tool for surgeons, educators, and students.

The role
As a research student, you'll be part of a team working at the forefront of anatomical science, contributing to the digital segmentation, modelling, and visualisation of complex structures in ways never before possible. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real anatomical data, advanced 3D modelling techniques, and next-generation visualisation tools that could transform operative planning, surgical simulation, and anatomy education worldwide.

Ideal student

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, clinically relevant project that has the potential to set a new standard in surgical training and patient care. Ideal for students interested in anatomy, surgery, biomedical engineering, or digital health innovation.

This project is the beginning of a change to the way the next generation of surgeons learns.

Project

The National Survey of Psychologists in Public General Hospitals (PsycH) was a mixed methods survey of the psychological workforce in physical health settings in NZ in 2022. PsycH was designed to address three major gaps in the literature:

a) a lack of specific focus on psychologists working in physical health settings

b) a dearth of mixed-methods studies

c) scant data on psychologist activities outside of direct clinical work.

Thus, PsycH endeavoured to expand understanding of the psychological workforce in physical health settings in NZ and

The role

This current research project will focus on exploring these issues in more depth by critically engaging with other published literature to understand how many psychologists we need in NZ; what are the merits of the key service models (i.e., psychology embedded at unit level or service level); and a deeper analysis by health district or region.

Skills gained

1. Conducting literature reviews
2. Submitting a conference abstract and presenting at a conference
3. Writing a journal manuscript

Ideal student
1. Prior research experience
2. Interest in mental health
3. Keenness to work towards future publication

Project

Each year since 2007, the Medical School Outcomes Database and Longitudinal Tracking (MSOD) project has collected demographic and career intention data from University of Auckland and University of Otago MBChB students at entry and exit to their programme, in addition to follow-up surveys in the postgraduate years. We are keen to understand what would encourage students to participate in these surveys.

The role

i. Review the literature on student engagement in research surveys
ii. Drawing on the findings of (i), undertake a local scoping exercise of what opportunities there are to engage New Zealand medical students about research
iii. Draft resources (e.g. data visualisations) for communicating key research findings to medical students

Skills gained
Literature search and review
- Literature search and literature review skills, including database selection, choice of key words, academic writing
Statistics
- Summary statistics
Data visualisation
- Data visualization techniques to illustrate key research findings
Writing for publication
- There may be an opportunity for the student to contribute significantly to a research paper

Expected research impact
Identification and analysis of how to better engage undergraduate medical students in research, and some analysis and data visualisation of national student entry, exit and post-graduate career choice data

Project

Each year since 2007, the Medical School Outcomes Database and Longitudinal Tracking (MSOD) project has collected demographic and career intention data from University of Auckland and University of Otago MBChB students at entry and exit to their programme, in addition to follow-up surveys in the postgraduate years. Prospective medical students at both institutions are required to sit an aptitude test as part of the admission process.

The role

Our team is interested to see if there is an interaction between aptitude test scores and medical student and graduates’ future career intentions. To start answering this question, this study aims to undertake a systematic literature review on the interactions between aptitude tests (eg. UMAT or UCAT) and student career preferences. The study will examine the literature for any associations between aptitude test scores and health professional student specialty and location career intentions , and summarise what theories were used in the selected research papers.

Skills gained
Literature search and review
- Literature search and literature review skills, including database selection, choice of key words, academic writing
Data visualisation
- Data visualisation techniques to illustrate key findings
Writing for publication
- The student is expected to contribute significantly to a research paper

Expected research focus
Examination of the literature on aptitude tests and health professional student career preferences. Identification of the ways aptitude tests may interact with health professional student career intentions.

Project

Aotearoa New Zealand is facing a critical medical workforce shortage. In response, medical schools are under pressure to rapidly increase student intake, but this surge is straining clinical teaching capacity, including in paediatrics, where limited placement opportunities and stagnant resources endanger the quality of training.

The role

This study aims to evaluate current pedagogical approaches in undergraduate paediatric education at Starship Children’s Hospital, a tertiary and quaternary paediatric teaching centre offering a comprehensive range of paediatric subspecialties and hosts around 100 undergraduate paediatrics students annually.

A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining data from quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews:

Surveys: Distributed to undergraduate medical students gathering data on their  experiences and perceptions of paediatric teaching at Starship Hospital.

Interviews: Conducted with clinical teachers to gain insights into teaching practices and challenges.

Expected Outcomes: The study is expected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current paediatric teaching practices at Starship Hospital, highlight areas needing improvement, and propose innovative pedagogical strategies. These insights will contribute to the development of more effective teaching methods, ultimately enhancing the quality of paediatric education.

Skills gained

• Data collection, curation and analysis
• Research presentation
• Critical thinking
  

Project

Current variability in referral information and unclear thresholds can delay timely care. This project aims to develop and evaluate clinical referral pathways for the top five outpatient paediatric presentations to Rotorua Hospital, enhancing the quality, consistency, and equity of referrals from general practice.

The role

Using a structured Quality Improvement (QI) framework, the project will undertake a current state analysis of referral quality, triage efficiency, and service responsiveness before implementation of refined referral pathways. A review of existing regional pathways, and insights gathered from GPs and triaging clinicians to identify best practices and unmet needs, will inform the development of standardised referral criteria, including minimum required information for effective triaging across the region.

The project also aims to actively improve transparency in referral expectations and reduce inequities to access, particularly for Māori and rural populations, to ultimately strengthen coordination of paediatric across primary and secondary care sectors.

Skills gained

It is expected that the student will complete the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) QI course. The student will work with a friendly team who is keen to teach, gaining skills in health systems research, stakeholder engagement and quantitative/qualitative data analysis.

Pre-requisites

Strong communication skills, interest in child health, health equity, and systems improvement.

Duration: 10 weeks (November to February).

Location: Department of Paediatrics, Rotorua Hospital.

Project

The Department of Paediatrics in Rotorua was one of the first nationally to formalise a multi-pronged orientation program for paediatric resident medical officers (RMOs). This project aims to refine and evaluate the current orientation framework as part of an ongoing commitment to high-quality medical education.

The role

Using an educational development approach, the student will undertake a needs assessment and mixed-methods evaluation of the current program, including pre- and post-orientation feedback from residents, and consultation with paediatricians and educators. Findings will guide updates to content, delivery and resource design, ensuring alignment with relevant competencies, learner needs, and principles of assessment for learning.

Subsequent pre- and post-evaluations will assess RMO confidence, preparedness, and knowledge acquisition.

The student will work with a friendly team who is keen to teach, and will gain skills in curriculum development, evaluation methods, stakeholder engagement, and health professional education.

This project supports improved trainee experience, patient safety, and learning culture, while contributing to a sustainable model for orientation and teaching. Findings and the refined framework have strong potential for adaptation and scale across other specialties and services nationally, contributing to a more consistent and supportive training environment across Aotearoa.

Pre-requisites

Strong communication and organisational/analytical skills, interests in medical education

Duration: 10 weeks (November to February)

Location: Department of Paediatrics, Rotorua Hospital

Project

Methamphetamine dependence reshapes the brain, but which circuits can rebound once use stops? Harnessing next-generation high-resolution MRI, this project will analyse longitudinal brain-imaging data from adults in early abstinence, extracting structural, functional, and metabolic markers of recovery.

By applying state-of-the-art image-processing pipelines and statistical modelling, we aim to pinpoint the cortical and subcortical regions that show the greatest potential for regeneration – insights that could spark new treatment strategies and public-health policies.

The role
The research student will:

• Implement and refine automated MRI-processing workflows
• Perform quantitative analyses of changes in brain morphology and connectivity
• Visualise and interpret findings alongside an interdisciplinary neuro-addiction team

Required skills

• Basic programming proficiency (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R)
• Experience with data analysis and visualisation
• Strong literature-search and critical-reading abilities
  

Project

This study will be a prospective, observational study of the effects of various ocular treatments on the microstructure of corneal nerves.

Skills gained

The student will gain experience in performing confocal microscopy, grading images, performing basic statistical analyses, and writing scientific reports.

Ethics approval has already been obtained. This will be based at the Greenlane Clinical Centre Eye Clinic.

Project

Inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) cause irreversible visual impairment due to progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. This impacts the daily functioning and quality of life (QoL) of patients, which may not be captured by standard clinical tests. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires used to assess outcomes such as QoL, and such measures have not yet been validated in children. As the development of novel therapies for IRD is rapidly evolving, there is an urgency to identify reliable, reproducible PROMs validated for children.

The role

We are taking part in a prospective, non-interventional, international multi-center study of PROMs in children (ethics already in place). As part of this, your role would be instrumental in recruiting patients, conducting the questionnaires with children and their parents/caregivers, and accurately documenting and recording the data for the study center in Toronto.

Skills gained

This summer studentship would give you invaluable hands-on experience in how a research study is designed and conducted.