Cure Kids Project Grants have funded some of New Zealand's top medical breakthroughs.
The Big Breakthroughs
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1990–2025
A series of studies on risk factors for sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI), leading to advice that has prevented at least 200 deaths every year (and many more around the world)
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectEmeritus Professor Ed Mitchell -
2023
Improving the remote care of children with hydrocephalus (a dangerous and abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain) via a tiny brain implant monitor
A Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders projectProfessor Simon Malpas -
2003-2022
Discovering a potential treatment for a terrible neurodegenerative condition called Batten disease
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectProfessor David Palmer, Associate Professor Stephanie Hughes, and Dr Nadia Mitchell et al -
2022
Identifying a safer test to prevent eye disease in premature babies
A Preterm Health projectAssociate Professor David Reith -
2010-2021
Discovering some of the genes which cause epilepsy in children, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and better treatments for children, parents, and their families
A Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders projectProfessor Lynette Sadleir -
2019
Research that prompted the routine use of fluoride varnish by dental clinics
Dr Alison Leversha -
2018
Evidence-based research demonstrating that babies born at 23-24 weeks gestation can survive and thrive
A Preterm Health projectAssociate Professor Max Berry -
2014, 2017-2022
Discovering that women who sleep on their side during pregnancy can reduce the risk of stillbirths by 50%
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectEmeritus Professor Lesley McCowan -
2017
Development of a robotic gait trainer to help children with cerebral palsy to walk more easily
A Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders projectAssociate Professor Andrew McDaid -
2015
Proof that when women take vitamin D during pregnancy it helps to prevent childhood respiratory infections in their children
A Respiratory Conditions projectProfessor Cameron Grant -
2012
Research that enabled the growth of full-thickness human skin in a lab to treat burns
A Skin Condtion projectProfessor Rod Dunbar -
2010
Research that prompted the creation and adoption of new international guidelines on methadone treatment for addiction in pregnant women
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor Lianne Woodward -
2008
Invention of a patented car-seat insert to improve safety and breathing for babies
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectDr Shirley Tonkin, Professor Alistair Gunn, and Dr Christine McIntosh -
2005
Reduction in sudden and unexpected cardiac death in children using pioneering technology
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectDr Jonathan Skinner -
2003
Proof that giving steroids to pregnant women can and does prevent respiratory disease in their babies
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor Jane Harding -
2002
New insights into how children with Cystic Fibrosis fight bacterial infections
A Respiratory Conditions projectProfessor Tony Kettle -
2002
Commencement of new research leading to better diagnosis for many rare genetic disorders
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectProfessor Stephen Robertson -
1998
Discovery of early treatment for Cystic Fibrosis before irreversible lung damage occurs
A Respiratory Conditions projectEmeritus Professor Keith Grimwood -
1987
The invention of an innovative cooling cap treatment for at-risk babies to help limit or reverse brain injury
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor Sir Peter Gluckman & Professor Alistair Gunn -
1979
Early-proof research which confirmed that smoking during pregnancy is dangerous
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor David Fergusson -
1977
Evidence-based research that led to the design of paediatric-focused hospitals and associated care
A Childhood Development and Learning Difficulties projectProfessor Diana Lennon -
1976
Development of the ‘heel prick test’ to diagnose Cystic Fibrosis at birth – enabling earlier treatment and increasing life expectancy
A Respiratory Conditions projectSir Bob Elliott
What is a Big Breakthrough?
In short, it’s research that has moved the dial for child health in Aotearoa New Zealand in a significant and impactful way. It could be new and useful knowledge about:
- the CAUSE of a disease or health condition;
- innovative methods which improve the CARE for Kiwi kids with serious health issues; or
- the development of a new treatment, device, or medicine that will CURE or prevent serious childhood illness.
Does this list cover all Cure Kids-funded breakthroughs?
No, but these are the big ones that have had – and in many cases are still having – a major impact. We have funded over 700 child health research projects since we were founded over 50 years ago – and right now, we are currently funding 46 active research projects.
There are scores of other projects we have funded, or part-funded, that have helped to save, extend, or improve the lives of Kiwi kids, but these are the real standouts. You can read more about our current research projects, or jump back to our list of Big Breakthroughs.