NZ Lotteries support emerging Malaghan researchers

MEDIA RELEASE

NZ Lotteries support emerging Malaghan researchers

Promising young research scientists from the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, a leading independent biomedical research facility based on Victoria University’s Kelburn campus, were recognised last week with the award of nearly $700,000 of New Zealand Lottery Health Research funding.

NZ Lottery Health Research uses profits from state lotteries run by the Lotteries Commission to fund research projects that will improve the health status of New Zealanders.

“This funding is a fantastic investment in our bright young stars, who bring an unparalleled level of energy and vitality to our scientific programmes,” said Professor Graham Le Gros, Director of the Malaghan Institute.

In total seven research programmes headed by early stage research scientists have been funded: increasing the potency of dendritic cell-based vaccines for the treatment of cancer, novel immunotherapeutic approaches to treating multiple sclerosis, studies of how synthesised complex carbohydrate structures and glycolipids can be incorporated into novel therapies for asthma and cancer, characterisation of the immune cells responsible for causing gout and design of a more effective vaccine against Tuberculosis.

Prof Le Gros emphasises the significance of this funding. “The Malaghan Institute has long held a commitment to educating, fostering and developing scientists, which we regard as essential to the continuing success of scientific research in New Zealand, and I am very happy that these bright young individuals have been given the chance to start their careers.”

Over the last several years New Zealand has faced a ‘brain drain’ as our graduates head overseas to work. This funding goes some way to ensuring that the Malaghan Institute’s young scientists remain in New Zealand where they are needed most.

ENDS

© Scoop Media