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 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
Treatment for a rare disorder – Batten Disease
A Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders projectDr Nadia Mitchell -
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
An Oral and Dental Disease projectDr Alison Leversha -
2018
Demonstration that babies born at 23–24 weeks can survive
A Preterm Health projectAssociate 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 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
Generation of full-thickness human skin in a lab
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor Rod Dunbar -
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 -
2008
Invention of a patented car-seat insert
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectDr 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 -
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 Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectEmeritus Professor Keith Grimwood -
1987
Innovative treatment for infants with brain injury
A Maternal and Infant Conditions projectProfessor Sir Peter Gluckman -
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
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.