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Aotearoa New Zealand is stepping up its efforts to tackle emerging infectious diseases, with the announcement of the Te Niwha Scholarships.
Seven postgraduate researchers have been selected to spearhead projects that blend innovation and tradition, from creating novel antiviral therapies to exploring the potential of indigenous knowledge in medicine.
A Platform for Resilience and Innovation
Te Niwha is at the forefront of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health, with its focus on prevention, disease surveillance, diagnostics, and the development of novel treatments and vaccines. The platform’s work has gained renewed urgency as climate change heightens the risk of new diseases entering the country.
Te Niwha Director Mana Whakahaere Te Pora Thompson stated, “Scholarship recipients represent the amazing talent Aotearoa New Zealand has in its up-and-coming researchers.”
Research Projects with Real-World Impact
Among the groundbreaking research being undertaken by the scholarship recipients, two projects stand out for their focus on immediate and culturally relevant solutions:
Antiviral Treatments for Emerging Diseases: Scientists are working to identify and develop treatments for diseases anticipated to reach Aotearoa due to changing climatic conditions.
Harnessing Rongoā Māori: Another team is exploring the medicinal potential of native plants to treat skin infections and inflammation, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.
Expanding the Frontiers of Public Health Research
Other recipients are tackling equally pressing issues aside these two initiatives:
- Rift Valley Fever Virus: Investigating potential treatments or vaccines for this severe disease.
- Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Identifying genetic factors that enable these pathogens to thrive in healthcare settings.
- Gastrointestinal Disease and Water Outages: Exploring links between infrastructure failures and disease outbreaks to mitigate risks.
- Metagenomics Testing for Water Surveillance: Validating advanced testing methods as a cost-effective solution to detect contaminants in drinking water.
- Whānau Support in ICUs: Developing strategies to improve family experiences during healthcare isolation, drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aotearoa New Zealand is reinforcing the importance of developing local scientific expertise through the Te Niwha Scholarships.
Te Niwha’s focus on nurturing emerging talent is vital for the country’s preparedness and its leadership in combating global health threats and climate change risks.