Cure Kids Project Grants have funded some of New Zealand's top medical breakthroughs.
The Big Breakthroughs
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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 -
2010-2021
Discovery of some of the genes which causes epilepsy
A Genetic Conditions and Rare Disorders projectWe funded research to identify some of the genes that cause epilepsy, enabling more targeted treatments and care.Emeritus Professor Keith Grimwood -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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.Professor Sir Peter Gluckman -
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 our list of Big Breakthroughs