Health sciences news
Gaining skills for the workplace
Can you help the Foodie Godmother?
Minister launches sustainable blueprint
THE rankings place AUT in NZ top three
AUT 2019 domestic and international fees
ISBS honours AUT Vice Chancellor
Nursing: from picket lines to policymaking
Dr Jed Montayre, a lecturer at the School of Clinical Sciences, is heading to Switzerland this week for the Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI) Policy Programme.
Indigenous health: power & politics
AUT recently hosted a public conversation on indigenous health with visiting political scientist Dominic O’Sullivan.
Pacific youth at risk if mothers gamble
AUT research sheds light on the intergenerational effects of gambling among Pacific families.
Debunking perceptions of safety
A collaboration between AUT’s Midwifery department, Auckland District Health Board and Birthcare led to the opening of three refurbished birthing rooms.
AUT and PharmaCann collaborate
AUT has partnered with PharmaCann New Zealand Ltd to research the development of medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand.
Students praised for quick response
Paramedicine students Joyce Giheno and Annie Nuualitiitia were ‘first on the scene’ at a car vs bus crash in Papatoetoe recently.
What Māori men think about exercise
AUT research looks at what motivates Māori men to be physically active.
Microsoft takes AUT student across globe
Second-year Bachelor of Health Science student Jackie Chan is travelling across the globe as a Microsoft Student Partner.
Disparity in chronic pain services
AUT research highlights ethnic disparities in attendance at New Zealand's chronic pain services.
AUT alumnus awarded bravery medal
Paramedicine alumnus Andrew Roy was one of ten citizens awarded a Royal Humane Society of New Zealand silver medal for bravery.
New clinic delivers vital support
AUT has launched a new psychotherapy clinic dedicated to improving the mental and emotional wellbeing of children and their families.
New book sheds light on fasting
We’re fatter and sicker than ever before – and according to a new book, the answer to this modern scourge could lie in the age-old practice of fasting.
4 questions with Professor Duncan Reid
We asked Professor of Physiotherapy Duncan Reid four questions about his research at the time of his Inaugural Professorial Address.
Fijian reproductive health worse in NZ
A new study shows that indigenous Fijian women living in New Zealand are not benefitting from the higher level of resources available.
Kava drinking research highlighted in global report
AUT PhD student, Edmond Fehoko, continues to garner international attention with his master’s thesis on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan males participating in the faikava or kava drinking circle.
Physio students prepare for the future
Physiotherapy students are buzzing with anticipation about heading into the workplace after attending the Match Ready Employability Experience in early March.
AUT increases presence in QS subject rankings
New global rankings show AUT now has 13 subjects ranked, with two of them featuring in the top 50 in the world.
Newly announced patrons help tackle loneliness in older kiwis
Sir Bob Harvey and Professor Max Abbott (CNZM) have been appointed as co-patrons of the Silver Line Charitable Trust New Zealand.
AUT Health, Auckland University of Technology’s clinical services hub based near AUT North Campus, was officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor yesterday. He was joined by North Campus Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Professor Max Abbott, as well as staff, industry partners and neighbouring health providers.
AUT helping students build mental strength
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has marked Mental Health Awareness Week with the release of a new Resilience App for staff and students, the first of its kind by a New Zealand university.
Money not the key to Kiwi happiness, but it’s a start
Money may not buy happiness but material conditions are a significant factor in determining quality of life, according to a visiting academic.
Bath University’s Professor Suzanne Skevington is speaking the 2010 Quality of Life Conference which starts today (February 22-24) at AUT University and will discuss how material conditions affect quality of life and the implications this has for social policy.
New fatigue fighting tool offers MS patients hope
A new app is now available to help those with multiple sclerosis (MS) cope with fatigue. The app, MS Energise, launched last week and uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles to help users self-manage the fatigue they experience as a result of their condition.
Māori and Pacific Early Career Academic Programme
A new generation of Māori and Pacific lecturers is taking up residence at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The 2018 Early Career Academic Programme offers up to six Māori and Pacific scholars their first, full-time, permanent appointments as research-active lecturers.
Rural medicine school well intended but misplaced
National’s election announcement of funding to establish a new school of rural medicine is well intended but misplaced, according to Auckland University of Technology Dean of Health and Environmental Sciences Professor Max Abbott.
United Nations to review the state of NZ racism
A New Zealand collective will today present to the United Nations in Geneva, drawing attention to the existence, prevalence and entrenchment of institutional racism targeting Māori in Aotearoa.
Pacific mental health expert scoops national leadership award
Dr Monique Faleafa was last week named winner of the 2017 eHealth Innovation Leadership Award by AUT’s Centre for eHealth.
Third med school a “shag on a rock” says professor
Professor Max Abbott, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), says a third medical school at Waikato University would be a “shag on a rock” and will not address urgent, longer-term rural health needs.
Big result for Pacific health research at AUT
AUT’s Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study has been awarded three research grants, each worth $1.2 million over three years, by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Working together for healthy communities
Professor Elaine Rush is calling for the food industry and healthy eating campaigners to work together to create a healthier South Auckland.
International Day of the Midwife
AUT celebrates 10 years of educating student midwives at Middlemore Hospital as part of a unique collaboration with Counties Manukau Health.
AUT Professor appointed Chief Education Health & Nutrition Advisor
AUT’s Professor Grant Schofield has been announced the Ministry of Education’s new Chief Education Health and Nutrition Advisor, an appointment aimed at helping New Zealand learners reach their full potential.
AUT receives funding for Pacific health study on ageing
The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study at AUT South Campus has been awarded almost $1 million for innovative research as part of the ‘Ageing Well’ National Science Challenge.
Top paramedics compete in Ferno Sim Challenge
Australasia’s top paramedics assembled at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to compete in the annual Ferno Sim Challenge – a world-class, high-fidelity, emergency response simulation designed to test their mettle and clinical skills.
AUT academic awarded Young Psychologist of the Year
Dr Alice Theadom, Deputy Director of AUT’s National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences (NISAN), has been honoured by the New Zealand Psychological Society for her research accomplishments. The senior psychology lecturer was awarded the G.V. Goddard Early Career Award, in recognition of her scholarly contributions to the field of applied professional psychology.
AUT scholars receive prestigious HRC awards
Five AUT scholars were yesterday announced as recipients of the Health Research Council’s 2017 career development awards.
Young Nurse of the Year goes to AUT lecturer
AUT nursing lecturer Dr Jed Montayre has been named Young Nurse of the Year by the New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO).
The award recognises outstanding practice, contribution to nursing and entrepreneurship in young nurses.
World Mental Health Day event explores psychological first-aid
World Mental Health Day (WMHD) was celebrated on Monday 10 October with a thought-provoking event at AUT’s North Campus.
The event focussed on the WMHD 2016 theme of psychological and mental health first-aid, highlighting the fact that we each have a role to play in the health of our social networks. A panel of industry-leading speakers talked about how to provide effective psychological first-aid, and the current climate of mental health in New Zealand.
Paramedicine students visit trauma capital
Three paramedicine students from AUT South Campus recently returned from clinical placement in Cape Town – ‘the trauma capital of the world’.
Zoe Farmer, Brody Mangos and Sam Rabone are completing the second year of a Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine.
New groups to tackle loneliness in older people
Two new groups launched yesterday, with the shared objective of promoting active ageing and advancing the health and wellbeing of older people. Ensuring communities are inclusive and encourage social engagement is key to achieving this goal.
Research scholarship to shed light on racism in NZ health system
AUT Masters student Emma Rawson has been awarded the inaugural Whakauae Pae Tawhiti Scholarship for Māori Health Research, to further her work investigating institutional racism in public health units’ human resources practices
Ending institutional racism in public health organisations
Academics and public health practitioners have come together to host New Zealand’s first ever symposium on ending institutional racism in the public health sector.
AUT crash simulation stops traffic
Paramedicine students from AUT South Campus were put through their paces during a lifelike crash simulation in Auckland Central on August 27.
AUT academics receive Health Research Council honours
The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has honoured AUT health researchers Professor Valery Feigin and Dr Alice Theadom for their contributions to health research excellence.
AUT ‘Nothing Else’ snack bar to take on commercial market
A healthier muesli bar developed by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is set to take on the commercial snack bar market this month.
Key New Zealand health target must change, says Professor
One of New Zealand’s top six priority health targets needs revision, according to the lead author of a study published in Nature Reviews Neurology.
Widespread support for cannabis law reform
A recent assembly at the Auckland Town Hall has put the spotlight on New Zealand’s cannabis laws. The public event, Start the Conversation, addressed the impact of current cannabis laws on New Zealanders, and called for legislative reform to curb the harm caused by the country’s current approach to drug use.
Public forum to unlock debate on cannabis
AUT Professor Max Abbott is set to speak at a public event on Monday evening, addressing growing community concern about cannabis use and legislation.
Air pollution a major contributor to stroke burden, finds new study
New research has uncovered that air pollution contributes to around one third of strokes worldwide. The startling findings, published last week in The Lancet Neurology, are the result of work led by Professor Valery Feigin - Director of AUT's National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences.
AUT inspires Seychelles’ response to childhood obesity
AUT South Campus recently played host to Director of Family Health and Nutrition Programmes for the Seychelles Islands, Rosie Bistoquet.
Mentor initiative drive Pacific midwives numbers up
Pacific midwife numbers are on the rise in South Auckland, thanks to a mentoring initiative led by Pasifika Midwives Aotearoa, supported by AUT midwifery department.
AUT Centre for eHealth signs formal relationship agreement with the Health Promotion Agency
Professor of Psychology & Public Health receives national honour
Professor Max Abbott, Dean of AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) at an investiture ceremony in Auckland last week.
NZ a world leader in island conservation, says new research
An international study has shown that mammal eradication on islands has delivered great conservation gains for New Zealand’s native species and island biodiversity.
The research was part of a global effort across eight countries to assess the value of removing invasive mammals, such as rats, goats and cats, as a conservation measure. The results were published earlier this month in prestigious journal PNAS, and point to clear benefits for endangered fauna.
AUT Pacific Islands Families study: Findings to be translated into international context
Researchers at Auckland University of Technology’s South Campus in Manukau will join forces with four other leading research groups in the field of child development studies, thanks to Government funding of $429,017 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Catalyst Fund.
Eye on health and well-being of Pacific youth: research symposium at AUT South Campus
The latest round of findings from the 14 year measurement wave of the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study will be examined at a research symposium being held at the AUT South Campus in Manukau this week.
Project Energize celebrates 10 years in action
Project Energize, New Zealand’s innovative child health initiative, celebrates 10 years in action this year.
The programme sees a team of 26 ‘Energizers’ working with their local schools and communities to increase children's physical activity, improve nutrition and enhance their overall health. The Waikato project is funded by the Waikato District Health Board and grew out of a desire from parents, educators, community groups and Sport Waikato to support children’s health.
Tackling Pacific health issues through better nutrition
A group of passionate Pacific workers will soon be taking their messages of healthy eating to communities ranging from Northland to Waikato.
AUT team wins prestigious Marsden grant
Auckland University of Technology has been awarded a sought-after research grant from the Marsden Fund.
Prestigious research honour goes to AUT stroke expert
The Royal Society of New Zealand has awarded Professor Valery Feigin the MacDiarmid Medal for outstanding scientific research.
Government plan to tackle obesity addresses only half the problem – AUT nutrition expert
Auckland University of Technology Professor of Nutrition Elaine Rush says the plan unveiled by government on Monday to tackle obesity in New Zealand does not take into consideration the importance of school-based physical education and issues of food security.
30 new graduates from AUT-SIT Applied Chemistry programme
Newly graduated Chinese student Nova Yang, who works for a top 500 international company in Shanghai, says her Auckland University of Technology study taught her the benefits of cross-cultural communication and jump-started her career.
Focus on breaking the cycle of violence pays off for research team
The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment has awarded an AUT research team $2.4 million in funding, for a pioneering project aimed at curbing family violence. The four year study will culminate in the release of a Healthy Relationships App for young people.
Mock disaster simulation gives high school students a taste of health sciences
A mock disaster simulation involving a mock multi-car pileup, mock injuries and emergency scenarios was part of a showcase event called HealthSim at AUT South Campus.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Doctoral and Masters Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions: PhD candidate Kudakwashe Tuwe and Master of Sport and Exercise student Samuel Paterson.
Southern hemisphere science goes on show in new science series
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has unveiled a new science webcast series today. The online Sci21 talks are the brainchild of Professor Steve Pointing, and put the spotlight on life-changing science developments of the 21st Century.
New AUT paper recognises Pacific approaches to health
Health Promotion students studying at the Auckland University of Technology’s South Campus will gain in-depth knowledge of Pacific health following the introduction of a new pacific-focused health paper as of this semester.
AUT researchers Professor Grant Schofield and Dr Caryn Zinn have teamed up with Michelin-trained chef Craig Rodger to release a guide to ‘low carb, healthy fat’ eating.
Sport as a tool for social change - South Campus sport development ‘Think Tank’
Local Manukau sport industry influencers gathered at the AUT South campus in Manukau recently to discuss how sports can be used as a tool for social change and development in South Auckland.
AUT scientists launch major global health study
An AUT neuroscience team has embarked on what could become the world’s largest health study, in a bid to tackle the mounting toll of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Professor Andrea Alfaro: Aquanaut, Mussel Lady and inspiring teacher
“My life has been one adventure after another and most of them have to do with the sea,” Professor Andrea Alfaro told the audience at her inaugural professorial address on Friday. She went on to regale her experiences of living under the sea, encountering purple sea urchins, winning the nickname ‘the mussel lady’, and carrying out vital aquaculture research.
AUT University academics to speak at this year’s TEDx Auckland event
AUT University academics Professor Grant Schofield and Professor Steve Pointing are set to speak at TEDx Auckland this Saturday.
Study reveals what makes Kiwis awesome
The 2015 Sovereign Wellbeing Index has revealed new insights into New Zealanders’ wellbeing.
Lifelike trauma simulations give AUT paramedics the edge
Lifelike trauma and medical situations will allow AUT University Paramedicine students to apply their skills and gain vital practical experience before entering the workforce.
New Year surprise for AUT Research fellow
AUT University Research Fellow Dr Huhana Hickey (Ngāti Tahinga, Tainui, Ngai Tai) has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contribution to people with disabilities, in particular Māori.
Mentoring programme helps boost Hato Petera students’ academic success
A unique mentoring programme run by AUT University students and Hato Petera College on Auckland’s North Shore is helping raise the achievement levels of the College’s NCEA cohort.
AUT PhD candidate to represent NZ at prestigious Commonwealth Science Conference
AUT University PhD candidate Gardette Valmonte will represent New Zealand at the Royal Society’s Commonwealth Science Conference in Bangalore this week.
AUT University Professor receives prestigious World Stroke Organisation award
The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has awarded AUT University’s Professor Valery Feigin with the prestigious WSO President’s Award.
What smokers really want – Smokefree Nurses campaign launches
Smokefree Nurses Aotearoa has launched a new campaign to aid nurses in helping patients quit smoking for good.
AUT University Paramedicine team shows expertise on world stage
A team of AUT University Paramedicine lecturers, based at AUT’s South Campus, have returned from the Paramedics Australasia International Conference (PAIC).
AUT Food Network develops new healthy snack bar
The AUT Food Network has developed a healthy new snack bar under the University’s Nothing Else brand.
AUT Professor named a finalist in NZ Innovators Awards 2014
AUT University Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology Valery Feigin has been announced as a finalist in two categories of the New Zealand Innovators Awards.
Giant squid dissection held at AUT University
AUT researchers got up close and personal with not one, but three giant squids yesterday.
AUT University partners with Roche Diagnostics
AUT University is proud to announce the opening of the AUT Roche Diagnostics Laboratory.