Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland

05/10/2026

What does it take to age well? It starts much earlier than we might think. 🌱

Professor Ngaire Kerse from our Faculty and Dr Claire Dale from the Business School explore how the foundations for healthy ageing are laid from birth – and why factors such as safe housing, adequate income, education and strong support networks matter throughout life.

They argue that ageing well isn’t simply about individual choices, but also about creating the conditions that enable people to live healthy, connected lives at every age.

Read the story here👇

Comment: Safe housing, adequate income and access to education from early in life can shape long-term health and wellbeing, write Claire Dale and Ngaire Kerse.

29/09/2026

New research is exploring how to reduce brain injury in premature babies 💙

Brain bleeds affect around one in five babies born before 32 weeks and can lead to lifelong health challenges. University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow Dr Simerdeep Dhillon is investigating ways to detect these bleeds earlier and reduce the damage that can follow.

Early preclinical findings suggest there may be a valuable window for treatment before inflammation causes further injury. The research is also investigating whether an existing drug used to remove excess iron could help reduce inflammation and brain injury.

Supported by the Neurological Foundation, the work could ultimately lead to earlier detection and better treatment options for some of our most vulnerable babies.

Read more about the research 👇

A potential treatment for brain bleeds in premature babies has reduced inflammation and brain injury in preclinical trials.

28/09/2026

A significant milestone for Pacific-led health research 🌺

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has been designated a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases and Climate Change.

The recognition acknowledges the Centre’s leadership in Pacific-driven research, policy and practice, and will strengthen its work alongside Pacific countries on two interconnected challenges – climate change and noncommunicable diseases.

Co-director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga says the designation recognises the value of research grounded in Pacific perspectives, knowledge and lived experience.

Read more about this important achievement 👇

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa will be launched as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases and Climate Change on 10 September.

24/09/2026

Why can two people experience similar strokes but have very different recoveries? 🧠

Researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland are combining AI with MRI brain scans to better understand the factors that influence stroke recovery.

Led by PhD student Simi Sasidharan, with principal supervisor Dr Sibusiso Mdletshe, the research suggests the health of a person’s brain before a stroke could play an important role in their recovery.

The team hopes the work could ultimately help doctors predict recovery earlier and develop more personalised rehabilitation plans for patients.

Read more about the research 👇

Researchers are using artificial intelligence to help predict stroke recovery and support more personalised patient care.

10/09/2026

Explore where your health degree could take you!


Studying a non-clinical health subject? Don’t miss the Health & Wellness Careers Event, a three-part series designed to help you explore career pathways, meet employers and build your employability.

💬 Learn how to network with employers
🤝 Meet organisations hiring non-clinical health graduates
🎓 Explore postgraduate study pathways
🍕 Network, ask questions and connect with industry


📅 16 Sept – Networking Workshop
📅 23 Sept – Employer Event
📅 30 Sept & 7 Oct – Postgraduate Sessions

📍 Grafton Campus

Come along, make connections and start building your career beyond the classroom.

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/student-support/academic-support/career-development-and-employability-services/cdes-events1/cdes-health-and-wellness.html

10/09/2026

There's still time to join us today at HealtheX 2026!

Whether you’re presenting or coming along to support your peers, it’s a great chance to discover the research happening across the Faculty, meet researchers and connect with organisations supporting our research community.

📅 Thursday 10 September
⌚ 8.30am - 6pm
📍 Grafton Campus

https://bit.ly/3sw73Y8

09/09/2026

Join us today at HealtheX 2026!

Whether you’re presenting or coming along to support your peers, it’s a great chance to discover the research happening across the Faculty, meet researchers and connect with organisations supporting our research community.

📅 Thursday 10 September
⌚ 8.30am - 6pm
📍 Grafton Campus

https://healthex.auckland.ac.nz/

03/09/2026

🩺 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Mānawa Mai Open Day! 💙

Despite the rain, Grafton Campus was buzzing, with huge numbers of future students and whānau coming along to explore our programmes, meet our people and get a taste of life at FMHS.

It was especially great to see so much interest and excitement around the new health study options coming in 2027.

Thanks for making it such a fantastic day – we loved having you with us!

03/09/2026

🎉 HealtheX 2026 is just one week away!

Join us on Thursday 10 September at Grafton Campus as we celebrate 20 years of HealtheX and another year of outstanding student research across FMHS.

Whether you’re presenting or coming along to support your peers, it’s a great chance to discover the research happening across the Faculty, meet researchers and connect with organisations supporting our research community.

This year, you’ll also be able to meet representatives from AMRF, Sir John Logan Campbell Medical Trust, Hope Foundation, Abacus dx, MediRay, our Faculty Research Centres and BIRU, and learn more about funding, scholarships, fellowships, research services and technologies.

📅 Thursday 10 September
⌚ 8.30am - 6pm
📍 Grafton Campus

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3sw73Y8

29/08/2026

It's all on at Grafton for Open Day! Come along to a health study talk, take a lab tour, watch demos, and get all your health study questions answered. Today until 4pm