Otago University researchers have come out on top in health awards scooping up more than $1.8 million in funding for research.
Eight Otago University health researchers were awarded 'Emerging Researcher First Grants' by the Health Research Council to the tune of $1.3 million to assist research into health issues.
Their research projects range from studying how being born prematurely may affect later cardiovascular health to investigating the strong antibacterial activity of a unique subset of white blood cells known as MAIT cells.
HRC chief executive Dr Kathryn McPherson said the recipients of emerging researcher grants were "outstanding in their respective research fields".
"With these grants they will be able to conduct research that will benefit the health of all New Zealanders," she said.
A further five researchers were awarded Feasibility Study grants. These grants cover a range of topics including diabetes and pre-diabetes in pregnancy, and tart cherry concentrate as a potential treatment for gout flare-ups.Otago researchers received a combined total of around $1.8 million in funding.