Te Niwha’s Mission is to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand has world-class research capability to support our preparedness for current and future infectious disease challenges. Part of that capability building is ensuring that the next generation of researchers is trained well and has the opportunity to develop their leadership potential. Over the last months, Te Niwha assessed applications for PhD and Masters scholarships with the help of a panel formed by members of Te Kete Mātauranga. Applications were reviewed with a focus on the principles of the Te Niwha charter.
During Aotearoa, New Zealand Infectious Diseases and Pandemic Preparedness Summit hosted by Te Niwha in November 2023, the recipients of three Masters and three PhD scholarships were announced and introduced to the Te Niwha whānau. Sir Jerry Mataparae led a special presentation of the scholarships. The Lifting Future Leaders session set the tone across the Summit for the platform’s Mission of building capability.
Melemafi Porter - PhD scholarship, Medical Research Institute of New Zealand
A randomised controlled trial of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of subcutaneous (SC) vs intramuscular (IM) administration of COVID-19 vaccination in community pharmacies in Aotearoa New Zealand
Sumanta Saha - PhD scholarship, University of Otago
Measuring and strengthening waning immunity to measles in fully immunised young adults
Katharina Wolf - PhD scholarship, University of Otago
Development of a non-invasive “liquid biopsy” for Kingella kingae and Staphylococcus aureus infections in children using cell-free DNA.
Jack Blackwood - Masters scholarship, University of Auckland
Investigating the antiviral range of Rongoā Māori and traditional Pacific medicines.
Sarah Cosgrove - Masters scholarship, University of Otago
An epidemiological analysis of the efficacy of Canterbury’s primary-practice based model for the delivery of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, in comparison to the School Based Immunisation Programme introduced in the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand, using longitudinal data from 2008 onwards.
Rhonita Schutz - Masters scholarship, Auckland University of Technology
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and BCG vaccine eligibility among Pasifika in Aotearoa New Zealand