Research in health sciences

We have strong connections with the health sector and deliver leading research across the field of health sciences. Our research projects are often developed collaboratively to address organisational and workforce needs.

AUT is home to world-leading researchers across the field of health sciences. We’ve led the world’s largest study of problem gambling treatments, run New Zealand’s only longitudinal study of Pacific Island families and have New Zealand’s only centre for eHealth.

Centres and institutes

Research degrees

Pacific wellbeing

Many of our researchers focus on the health and wellbeing of Pacific people, both in New Zealand and the Pacific

More about Pacific research

Jane Koziol-McLain
Max Abbott CNZM
Valery Feigin
Jane Koziol-McLain
Our professors Jane Koziol-McLain Professor of Nursing Professor Jane Koziol-McLain has over 30 years of experience in nursing as well as a talent for research into the health system response to violence against women and children. Professor Jane Koziol-McLain has over 30 years of experience in nursing as well as a talent for research into the health system response to violence against women and children. She is the director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Trauma Research, while balancing teaching responsibilities and consulting work in the Pacific with the United Nations Population Fund. Professor Koziol-McLain has been recognised time and time again for her research and was inducted into the Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars in 2013.
Max Abbott CNZM
Our professors Max Abbott CNZM Professor of Psychology and Public Health Professor Max Abbott’s pioneering research in mental and public health, and contributions to gambling, addictions and migrant health research have positively impacted NZ communities. Professor Max Abbott has been at the helm of AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences for more than two decades. Prior to becoming dean in 1991, Professor Abbott was the founding National Director of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, a position he held for ten years. His pioneering research and advocacy in mental and public health, and significant contributions to gambling, addictions and migrant health research have positively impacted New Zealand communities.
Valery Feigin
Our professors Valery Feigin Professor of Epidemiology and Neurology Professor Valery Feigin is globally known as an expert on stroke, traumatic brain injury prevention, epidemiology and treatment/rehabilitation. Professor Valery Feigin is globally known as an expert on stroke, traumatic brain injury prevention, epidemiology and treatment/rehabilitation. Throughout his career he has received a number of prestigious national and international awards, including for his work on the Stroke Riskometer™ app, which was voted the top health-related app worldwide.
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News
Isaac Warbrick
Professor Valery Feigin
A model of a brain
Professor Richard Siegert
Professor Valery Feigin
Isaac Warbrick
Fat-shaming in public health
01 Feb, 2019
Dr Isaac Warbrick argues that societal and institutional racism affect nutrition, physical activity and weight loss in indigenous communities.
Professor Valery Feigin
Young adults at risk of stroke
23 Jan, 2019
Almost one in four people aged 25 years are at risk of developing a stroke during their lifetime, according to a new scientific study.
A model of a brain
NZ has the world's highest MND mortality
28 Nov, 2018
The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that New Zealand’s rate of mortality from motor neuron disease is 2.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
Professor Richard Siegert
Researching inflammation and depression
26 Nov, 2018
Auckland University of Technology has won a Marsden Grant of $827K to investigate the relationship between inflammation in the body and depression.
Professor Valery Feigin
Global Burden of Disease Brain Summit
26 Nov, 2018
International researchers, health professionals and policymakers will gather at AUT on November 27.
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Deborah Heke
Apollo Taito
Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani
Rodwell Gundo
Ayan Said
Deborah Heke
Great graduatesDeborah HekeDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Health Science
Bachelor of Health ScienceSometimes she feels like AUT chose her, says PhD student Deborah Heke who is currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy in Māori health at AUT.Sometimes she feels like AUT chose her, says PhD student Deborah Heke who is currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy in Māori health at AUT. For her doctoral research, Deborah is focusing on physical activity and wāhine Māori. Deborah’s research is supervised by Dr Isaac Warbrick, the co-director of Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research.
Apollo Taito
Great graduatesApollo TaitoDoctor of Health ScienceDoctoral student Apollo Taito is researching how Pacific mental health leaders manage their form of leadership within a District Health Board setting.As a multi-cultural society, New Zealand benefits from different cultural perspectives when it comes to governance and leadership. It is this idea that has informed Apollo Taito’s doctoral research in the field of healthcare. He says the support he receives from his wife, AUT and his supervisors has been integral to his success. Apollo’s connection with his research topic and his supervisors runs deep.
Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani
Great graduatesQorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah AdnaniDoctor of PhilosophyShe was attracted to AUT by the reputation of its midwifery department, says Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani who is completing a PhD in midwifery.She was attracted to AUT by the reputation of its midwifery department, says Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani. She loves the supportive environment AUT offers for postgraduate and research students. Being an international PhD student can be challenging, especially if you have English as a second language, Qorinah says.
Rodwell Gundo
Great graduatesRodwell GundoDoctor of PhilosophyAn accomplished nursing lecturer in his native Malawi, Doctor of Philosophy student Rodwell Gundo came to AUT to further his skills for his academic career.An accomplished nursing lecturer in his native Malawi, PhD student Rodwell Gundo came to AUT to further his skills for his academic career. For his doctoral research, Rodwell is developing a training programme for nurses in intensive care unit (ICU) and high dependency unit (HDU) settings in Malawi. He would highly recommend postgraduate study at AUT to others, Rodwell says.
Ayan Said
Great graduatesAyan SaidRegional Refugee Community Health Worker, Auckland District Health BoardMaster of Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Bachelor of Health ScienceFor her AUT Master of Public Health research project, Ayan Said focused on stories of women living with Female Genital Mutilation in Auckland.Her passion for public health started when she was a teenager, says AUT alumna Ayan Said who now works as a refugee community health worker. She was 18 when she first heard about the issue of Female Genital Mutilation, and her interest in the topic grew. For her Master of Public Health research project, she focused on stories of women living with Female Genital Mutilation in Auckland.
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