As New Zealand’s largest charitable funder of child health research, Cure Kids has announced funding for seven new research projects with the potential to deliver life‑changing outcomes for tamariki and their whānau across Aotearoa.

Spanning pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence, the newly funded research addresses some of the most urgent and inequitable child health challenges facing our communities — from preventing Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and improving care for newborns with seizures, to tackling childhood tooth decay and strengthening suicide prevention for young people.

Following a highly competitive annual grant round, Cure Kids’ Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee selected the projects based on scientific excellence, potential for impact, and their ability to improve health outcomes for children in Aotearoa and beyond.

“Our 2025 Innovation and Discovery funding round attracted a record number of applications, which tells us the need to fund innovative solutions for children has never been greater. We are proud to support research that has the potential to deliver real and lasting improvements for tamariki and their whānau,” says Cure Kids CEO Frances Soutter.

With nearly $10 million currently invested in child health research, this latest funding round reinforces Cure Kids’ long‑term commitment to supporting research that delivers meaningful, real‑world improvements in child health.

The seven research projects funded in this round are:

Vaping During Pregnancy and SUDI Risk: New Zealand Case‑Cohort Study

Ms Glenda Oben, Professor Barry Taylor – University of Otago

This project aims to understand whether nicotine exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of SUDI, which disproportionately occurs among Māori whānau. Using data from around 170,000 infants, the findings will help shape prevention efforts and support safer pregnancy choices for whānau across Aotearoa. 

NEOLEV3: High‑Dose Levetiracetam in NZ Neonates with Seizures

Dr Cynthia Sharpe – Starship Hospital

Around 200 babies in Aotearoa are affected by neonatal seizures each year, with up to 60% of survivors facing long‑term challenges like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or developmental delays. This study is testing higher doses of a treatment to improve seizure control while reducing harmful side effects, helping more babies access safer care and supporting better lifelong outcomes.

C*STEROID – Safely Improving Outcomes After Planned Caesarean Section Birth

Professor Katie Groom – University of Auckland

The C*STEROID Trial is a world‑leading study exploring whether giving corticosteroids before planned caesarean births can improve newborn and childhood health. More than one in ten babies in Aotearoa are born this way, which can increase the risk of breathing problems and neonatal unit admission. This research will provide the first high‑quality evidence to guide safer clinical practice in Aotearoa and around the world.

Smart Peptide Therapy for Management of Dental Caries in Children

Dr Kai Chun Li – University of Otago

By age five, around 41% of tamariki already have decay in their baby teeth. This project is developing a pH‑responsive smart peptide, GA‑TH, which activates only in acidic environments to target harmful bacteria without damaging healthy cells. This child‑friendly, non‑invasive and cost‑effective approach could stop tooth decay before it starts, supporting healthier smiles for tamariki across Aotearoa.

Stronger Fillings, Happier Kids: New Bioactive Material for Treating Caries

Dr May Lei Mei – University of Otago

Because baby teeth have thinner enamel, cavities can spread quickly, often leading to repeat treatments. This project is developing a stronger, longer‑lasting dental filling by reinforcing child‑friendly materials with tooth‑like components. The result is bioactive fillings that help teeth repair themselves, meaning fewer dental visits and happier kids across Aotearoa. 

Examining Mortality After Brain Injury: Estimating the Risk of Suicide

Dr Rebecca Slykerman – University of Auckland

This study asks a critical question: does moderate to severe brain injury in childhood increase the risk of suicide later in life? With more than 74,000 young people in Aotearoa living with significant brain injury and suicide rates disproportionately affecting whānau Māori and youth, this research will use whole‑population data to identify risk factors, service gaps, and opportunities for earlier, more effective suicide prevention. 

Understanding Wahakura and Pēpi‑Pod Usage to Prevent SUDI Deaths

Dr Charmaine Barber (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa), Professor Barry Taylor – University of Otago

Every year, 40–60 babies in Aotearoa die from SUDI, with Māori pēpi disproportionately affected. Wahakura and Pēpi‑Pods are culturally appropriate, life‑saving in‑bed sleep spaces proven to be as safe as bassinets, yet many whānau stop using them during the highest‑risk months. By working alongside over 300 whānau to understand barriers and support consistent use, this research aims to save lives and address one of Aotearoa’s most serious health inequities.