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
Associate Professor Alice Theadom
An old person's hands with a walking stick
Taking notes
Associate Professor Dong-Xu Liu
Isaac Warbrick
Associate Professor Alice Theadom
Social interaction impaired by mild-TBI
17 Apr, 2019
AUT research shows that even a mild brain injury can impair social cognition, which may cause difficulties in communication, relationships and employment.
An old person's hands with a walking stick
Digital divide for aged care residents
26 Mar, 2019
A new study funded by InternetNZ shows that aged care residents are dependent on family and friends to keep them digitally connected.
Taking notes
Marginalisation on health policy groups
08 Mar, 2019
A new study, which explores Māori and Pasifika leaders’ experiences on government advisory groups, indicates ongoing inequities in the development of New Z
Associate Professor Dong-Xu Liu
Boost for breast cancer treatment
01 Mar, 2019
Study discovers potential new tool to help doctors select the best treatment.
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.
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Deborah Heke
Paul Davis
Rodwell Gundo
Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani
Apollo Taito
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.
Paul Davis
Great graduatesPaul DavisFlight Intensive Care Paramedic – St John Ambulance ServiceDoctor of PhilosophyHis PhD research will help advance the paramedicine profession, says PhD candidate Paul Davis who is researching the treatment of heart attack patients.His PhD research will help advance the paramedicine profession, says Doctor of Philosophy candidate Paul Davis. Paul’s PhD research focuses on testing a new autonomous paramedic-based model of care for the treatment and management of heart attack patients in the New Zealand out-of-hospital setting. He has collaborated with a number of high-profile health organisations for his research.
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.
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.
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.
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