Cure Kids Project Grants have funded some of New Zealand's top medical breakthroughs.
The Big Breakthroughs
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1978–2025
Prevention of 200 sudden unexpected deaths in infancy every year
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectWe funded a series of studies on risk factors for SUDI, leading to advice that has prevented at least 200 deaths every year, and many more around the world.Emeritus 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
Treatment for a rare disorder – Batten Disease
A Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders projectWe contributed to a series of studies that led to the discovery of a gene therapy for Batten Disease, which is now in human clinical trials in the USA.Dr Nadia Mitchell -
2019
Research that prompted the routine use of fluoride varnish by dental clinics
An Oral and Dental Disease projectDr Alison Leversha -
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 -
2022
Identifying a safer test to prevent eye disease in premature babies
A Preterm Health projectAssociate Professor David Reith -
2018
Demonstration that babies born at 23–24 weeks can survive
A Preterm Health projectCure Kids funded a study that provided evidence that babies born prematurely at 23-24 weeks can survive and thrive.Associate Professor Max Berry -
2017
Discovering that women who sleep on their side during pregnancy can reduce the risk of stillbirths by 50%
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectA study investigating the causes of stillbirth led to new advice for pregnant mothers on the safest sleeping position, reducing the risk of stillbirth by 50%.Emeritus 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 -
2010
Research that prompted the creation and adoption of new international guidelines on methadone treatment for addiction in pregnant women
A Preterm Health projectProfessor Lianne Woodward -
2012
Generation of full-thickness human skin in a lab
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectIn 2012, Professor Rod Dunbar engineered full-thickness human skin in the laboratory using the patient’s own skin cells to enable skin repair after burns.Professor Rod Dunbar -
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 -
2008
Invention of a patented car-seat insert
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectA study on the cause of unexpected deaths of babies in car seats led to the invention of an insert that helps maintain breathing and improve safety.Dr Shirley Tonkin -
2003
Proof that giving steroids to pregnant women can and does prevent respiratory disease in their babies
A Preterm Health projectProfessor Jane Harding -
2002
New insights into how children with Cystic Fibrosis fight bacterial infections
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectProfessor Tony Kettle -
1987
Innovative treatment for infants with brain injury
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectCure Kids funding led to the development of a cap to cool babies’ heads to limit or reverse brain injury in at-risk babies. -
1998
Discovery of early treatment for Cystic Fibrosis before irreversible lung damage occurs
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectEmeritus Professor Keith Grimwood -
2002
Commencement of new research leading to better diagnosis for many rare genetic disorders
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectProfessor Stephen Robertson -
1979
Early-proof research which confirmed that smoking during pregnancy is dangerous
A Preterm Health 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
Diagnostic test to enable treatment for cystic fibrosis at birth
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectSir Bob Elliott identified a blood test (newborn heel-prick) to diagnose cystic fibrosis at birth, enabling earlier treatment and increasing life expectancy.Sir 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.