Kia ora koutou,

Over the past couple of months, we've had so many reasons to celebrate at the ABI - you'll read about just a few in this edition of our newsletter.

We are very proud of Professor Simon Malpas, who has been nominated as a finalist in the innovation category of the 2025 New Zealander of the Year awards. Kitea Health - the start-up he spun out of his world-leading research - is another great example of how the ABI is able to translate research into successful companies, and potentially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Our Postgraduate Webinar series continues - it's been wonderful to connect with potential students from around the world and talk about our available projects. It has also been great to showcase our new Postgraduate Certificate in Bioengineering, which provides students with the relevant disciplinary training and experience to advance to a PhD in Bioengineering. If you or someone you know is interested in studying with us, join our next webinar on 1 April!

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and your weekend - and have a listen to our new podcast Ingenious.

Ngā mihi,
Director Merryn Tawhai

Finalist in New Zealander of the Year awards

Professor Simon Malpas, whose pioneering work led to the development of the world’s smallest implantable brain pressure sensor, is a finalist in the innovation category of the 2025 New Zealander of the Year awards.

The winners of the New Zealander of the Year awards will be announced this week - well done Simon and good luck!

Celebrating International Women's Day

Women living with diabetes are twice as likely to get heart disease than diabetic men, but most research focuses on men. After her mum was diagnosed with type 2, Iranian-born Maryam Rahmani decided to change that.

The theme for International Women's Day 2025 was 'Accelerate Action'. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, in their personal and work lives. ABI Associate Professor Kelly Burrowes talked with Radio NZ about how femtech could bring the gender health gap.

Minister makes announcement at the ABI

Minister Shane Reti, whose portfolios include Science Innovation and Technology, and Universities, chose our Cloud 9 medtech startup hub to launch the Government’s new $20 million applied doctorate scheme.

The Minister left the ABI buzzing after meeting researchers working on some of the university’s most innovative medical technologies.

Join our postgraduate info webinar

Have you considered your options for postgraduate study? Start a PhD or Masters in Bioengineering - find out more at this special webinar.

A career in bioengineering can be very rewarding. Want to work at one of the world’s leading medtech companies, or launch your own? Want to cure life-threatening diseases, create cool tech, or save the planet? Bioengineering is your ticket to having a real impact on your future world.

New podcast: Ingenious

How can we use digital twins to revolutionise healthcare? Find out on our new podcast, Ingenious, streaming on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Learn more about the amazing work on digital twins done at the University of Auckland and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.

Subscribe now and listen to all the episodes!

Help us make a difference

The ABI is completely self-funded, so we rely on our generous donors to fund students and our world-class research. There are many ways you can make a difference and support our work - you can make a donation or bequest, or simply follow us on social media. 

If you would like to become an ABI supporter, make a donation or bequest today.