Support advanced research

ADHD is a common condition, yet diagnosis and treatment largely rely on behavioural assessments that lack objective biological markers. This project  investigates whether fidgeting enhances decision-making and to develop an ADHD brain atlas that supports precision diagnosis, personalised treatment, monitoring of treatment efficacy, and evidence based policy development.

$400K x3 years

The study builds on pilot to establish a lifetime follow-up cohort of children aged 7 – 11 years, generating normative imaging and health data to better understand child development and early disease pathways. The project will create a globally unique, community-partnered model that can be replicated internationally, including in other indigenous communities. Without accurate benchmarks of healthy growth, clinicians and AI tools struggle to distinguish normal variation from the earliest signs of disease.

$300K pa x5 years (ongoing)

Many serious brain disorders involve raised intracranial pressure or abnormal brain swelling, yet the only reliable way to measure this requires an invasive surgical procedure that carries risk and limits access. This project advances aMRI – an imaging technology that detects subtle brain motion – enabling non-invasive assessment of brain pressure and mechanics across conditions including idiopathic intracranial hypertension, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Chiari malformation, and aneurysms, with the potential to fundamentally transform diagnosis and patient care.

$400K pa x 2 years 

Methamphetamine use causes profound and lasting harm to the brain, heart. This project addresses critical gaps in understanding and care by integrating advanced MRI with Kaupapa Māori, whānau-centred treatment to objectively track recovery, support sustained abstinence, and redesign addiction services in ways that restore mana and oranga.

$400K x 5 years

The study uses advanced MRI to assist in deciding whether to undertake a biopsy and to facilitate targeted biopsies. It aims to establish a diagnostic pathway model that can be replicated across New Zealand. This project also aims to enhance the diagnosis of prostate cancer within the public health system, with particular focus on patients in under-served and remote communities.

$100K pa 

Support breakthrough research to  advance our understanding of the brain, heart, and body.

Tairāwhiti Child Wellbeing Study

$300K pa x5 years (ongoing)