Awarded through the Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, 2025 Project, and Explorer grants, the funding supports research that aims to transform health outcomes for New Zealanders, whether through emerging technologies, new treatments, or addressing inequalities.
Projects from the University cohort span dementia risk detection using AI, infectious disease drug development, and tackling inequalities in colorectal cancer.
Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Te Herenga Waka, congratulated the five.
“These projects are exploring some of today’s most pressing health challenges, building on the University’s culture of research excellence and a strong record of global impact.
“They also represent a valuable opportunity to bring together areas of our expertise, particularly in AI and health research, through cross disciplinary collaboration. Congratulations to all involved.”
Using AI to uncover new dementia risk factors
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare grant ‒ $400,000
Dr Simpson and Dr Alex Wang will use explainable AI to identify previously unknown or overlooked risk factors for dementia. This research could lead to better detection and prevention strategies, helping improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
“Explainable AI will enable us to uncover emerging dementia risk and protective factors by integrating complex health and socioeconomic data in a transparent, interpretable way.
“This research aims to reveal actionable insights into social determinants and disparities, supporting more equitable, data-driven health policy and future research.”
New antibiotics to combat drug-resistant infections
2025 Project grant ‒ $1.2 million
Dr Own’s research focuses on developing new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria, a growing global health crisis responsible for millions of deaths.
“We have already discovered promising antibiotic compounds that are non-toxic and work in new ways. In this project, we will use advanced chemistry and biological engineering to create and test hundreds of improved versions in the lab.
“The anticipated health benefit is the development of new medicines effective against the most dangerous superbugs. Our goal is to identify several top candidates ready for the next stage of clinical development.”
Tackling inequalities in colorectal cancer outcomes
2025 Project grant ‒ $1.2 million
Dr McKenzie will work with Associate Professor Mona Jeffreys to address inequalities in colorectal cancer care (CRC), aiming to improve the experience and outcomes for Māori and Pacific people across the full cancer care pathway.
“Our research is about turning evidence into action. At every phase, we’re focused on identifying health service solutions that can address persistent inequalities in CRC outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples and their whānau/families.
“CRC is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Aotearoa. By examining the full care continuum, from screening through to end of life care, we aim to understand what’s driving these inequalities and then design solutions to improve timeliness, accessibility, and quality of care.”
Exploring mechanism of action of novel nucleosides to develop better antivirals
Explorer grant ‒ $150,000
Modern antiviral drugs have greatly reduced the impact of viral diseases, but their effectiveness is often limited as many viruses develop resistance over time.
Dr Harris and a team of chemists at the University, in collaboration with virologist Dr Natelie Netzler of The University of Auckland, aim to investigate the mechanism of action of a novel class of antivirals, with the goal of developing more robust and durable treatments.
“This research will support the design of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that are potent, non-toxic, and less prone to resistance development. These treatments could be vital in future pandemics and for managing viral infections that threaten the health and wellbeing of all people in Aotearoa.”
Novel AI framework for the discovery of narrow-spectrum antibiotics
Explorer grant ‒ $150,000
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, as many existing treatments are becoming less effective. This project will use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to find new drugs that block a key bacterial enzyme called MqnE, which is important for the survival of several dangerous germs like Helicobacter pylori (a cause of stomach ulcers and cancer).
"Using AI, we will search for potential drug candidates, make these compounds in the lab, and test them against target bacteria. Our aim is to develop narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which only attack specific bad bacteria and leave the rest of the microbiome healthy. This means fewer side effects, less risk of new resistance, and better outcomes for patients."
About the HRC grants:
The Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare grant supports research into the safe, ethical use of AI to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The 2025 Project grants back high-impact research projects with the potential to significantly enhance population health and wellbeing.
The Explorer grants provide seed support for researchers with transformative, innovative, exploratory or unconventional research ideas that have a good chance of making a revolutionary change to how health is managed.