Awards and recognition for Liggins research leaders

The reputation of the Institute and its academic staff is demonstrated in the high-profile awards, appointments and speaking invitations they have received this year.

Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Gluckman was appointed Co-chair of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity reflecting his outstanding leadership, research and advocacy in bringing recognition to the pivotal influence of early life events on long-term health world-wide. He was appointed a Visiting Professor at University College London, received the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology International Award and chaired the first global Conference on Science Advice to Governments which brought together some 200 participants from over 40 countries.

Liggins Professor to lead global strategy to end child obesity
ESPE International Award
Science Advice to Governments

Distinguished Professor Jane Harding received the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Howard Williams Medal for her outstanding contributions to paediatrics and child health in New Zealand and Australia, the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Gluckman Medal for her long-time service, teaching and research within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and was short-listed for the New Zealand Herald’s New Zealander of the Year for her innovative clinical research developing a cheap and effective treatment for neonatal hyperglycaemia.

Institute’s Distinguished Professors honoured with orations at medical congress
Leading Liggins researcher receives prestigious medal
New Zealander of the Year: $2 gel massage keeps newborns' brains safe

Liggins Director Professor Wayne Cutfield’s leadership and contributions to paediatric endocrinology were recognised with Honorary Life Membership of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrinology Society (APPES) and Deputy Director Professor David Cameron-Smith is leading the initiative “Facilitating Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and New Zealand”.

Professors Frank Bloomfield and Paul Hofman have each begun two-year terms as President of two large regional organisations representing professional colleagues: the Perinatal Society of Australia and NZ and APPES, respectively.

Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ)
Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrinology Society (APPES)