Engaging with the Maurice Wilkins Centre: Highlights from the Symposium

Danielle Sword speaking on “Generating dual targeting CAR T-cells under a Kaupapa Māori approach to expand the scope of CAR T-cell therapy in Aotearoa”.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Maurice Wilkins Centre (MWC) Research Symposium and Emerging Researchers Showcase in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The MWC is a national centre of research excellence dedicated to addressing major health challenges in Aotearoa through innovative biomedical research in the three key areas (themes) of infectious diseases, metabolic health, and cancer immunology. A key focus of the MWC is improving health outcomes for Māori, who continue to experience significant health inequities.

The symposium began with a Mihi Whakatau followed by a welcome and introduction from the MWC Director, Professor Dave Grattan. The Plenary Address was given by Professor Alex Brown, Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at Australian National University, who spoke on “Empowering indigenous communities in genomics medicine”. There were then various sessions on the three MWC themes featuring both research highlights from established scientists and also many early career researchers.

Dr Nils Birkholz speaking on “Bacteria and their enemies: a toolbox for our fight against pathogens?”.

Following the research talks, there was an informative session by Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council (ISC) and the Director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures. Peter spoke as the chair of the Science System Advisory Group, who have provided advice to the government on how to improve the effectiveness and impact of the science sector in Aotearoa. Many questions were fielded from the audience of academics on the advisory recommendations that led to a very educational and rousing discussion.

Finally, the research presentations of MWC themes ended with the early career researcher poster evening, where I was able to immerse myself in the cutting edge biomedical research innovations happening in Aotearoa and speak to many of the young scientists at the forefront of the work. Engaging with MWC researchers provided valuable insights into emerging trends and potential opportunities for collaboration.

He aha te mea nui o tēnei Ao? He Tangata!

- Ruby Roach

Keziah Poggenpoel and Kevin Beijerling speaking on “Nanobody Discovery and Engineering for Precision Medicine”.