The research we fund

Neurophysiological signatures and neurofeedback-based modulation of neuropathic pain in chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. It occurs when damaged nerve fibres send incorrect signals to the brain, leading to sensations such as burning, stabbing, electric shocks, tingling, or numbness. This research explores how the brain has become altered in people with neuropathic pain and tests a promising, non-invasive therapy: EEG neurofeedback. The goal is to develop a brain training programme for those with chronic pain to improve symptoms and potentially create long-term pain relief. 

Supervised by Dr Jerin Mathew, Dr Divya Adhia, Professor Dirk De Ridder, Dr Ramakrishnan Mani 

Mysterious neurodegeneration unmasked: rare and novel GGC repeat expansion diseases in Aotearoa New Zealand

A rare neurodegenerative condition called neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), mostly found in Asia, has recently been diagnosed in Māori whānau in Aotearoa. It is caused by a mutation in a gene called NOTCH2NLC and leads to symptoms such as muscle weakness and dementia. This project aims to establish a research platform for NOTCH2NLC testing in New Zealand to improve diagnosis and understanding of NIIC in New Zealand, and to lay the groundwork for future development of treatments.  

Supervised by Associate Professor Emma Scotter, Dr Jessie Jacobsen, Dr Nicole Edwards, Dr Miran Mrkela 

Exploring the role of chromatin remodelling genes in neurodevelopmental disorders

This project is investigating a gene associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder called Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS), where patients have abnormal facial features and a small head size (microcephaly). One gene that is strongly associated with CSS is called ACTL6A, but it can have different genetic variations that are poorly understood, leaving families without clear answers. This research will uncover more about the ACTL6A gene, how different variants alter its function, and identify other similar genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, providing much needed answers to affected families. 

Supervised by Associate Professor Louise Bicknell 

Determining the role of Bach2 in modulating glial cells as a treatment for spinal cord injury

After a spinal cord injury, the support cells which normally help to maintain healthy nerve cells, can actually cause the injury to become worse. This research focuses on a protein called Bach2, which has been found that to increases after injury and might affect both inflammation and the growth of cells that help repair nerve fibres. Studying Bach2’s role in these processes will discover whether adjusting its activity could protect cells and promote healing. If successful, this research could identify a new treatment target to improve recovery and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. 

Supervised by Dr Simon O’Carroll, Associate Professor Justin Dean, Associate Professor Deborah Young 

Is Mild Behavioural Impairment associated with blood-derived markers of neuropathology in Parkinson's disease?

Lack of motivation and interest is commonly experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This project explores whether these early behavioural changes can signal future dementia. It will examine blood samples from 200 PD patients to see if apathy is linked to known biomarkers. If these markers, combined with apathy, predict faster cognitive decline, this research could help doctors identify people at higher risk of dementia earlier, leading to better monitoring and potential treatments to improve quality of life for those living with PD.

Supervised by Dr Campbell Le Heron

Can Etanercept Prevent Cortical Brain injury in Preterm Fetal Sheep?

Low oxygen can cause brain injury in premature babies and lead to lifelong disabilities. This research aims to find out how a drug called Etanercept can protect the brain. The team have already seen promising results in protecting the brain's 'wiring' in animal models. This project will confirm whether Etanercept also protects brain cells, and how it affects inflammation and growth. If Etanercept is shown to reduce damage and improve brain development, this could lead to new treatments that help prevent long-term problems like cerebral palsy and learning difficulties in babies born too early.

Supervised by Dr Ben Lear and Dr Victoria King

The Impact of CTP and Telestroke Workflow Changes

Strokes require rapid specialist guided treatment. For patients in non-urban areas, specialists can remotely guide treatments via ‘telestroke’, which can involve phone calls between doctors, or a full patient video assessment. This research aims to find the best way to deliver urgent stroke care in New Zealand, comparing telestroke and standard care, to see which leads to faster treatment and better patient outcomes. By analysing national stroke data, the goal is to identify the most efficient and cost-effective model of care to guide New Zealand stroke services.

Supervised by Professor Anna Ranta