University of Auckland Brain Research Boost: Major European Partnership Set to Enhance Brain Research

A Milestone for New Zealand Neuroscience

The University of Auckland is poised for a significant advancement in brain research through its involvement in the European Partnership for Brain Health, a landmark collaboration under Horizon Europe. 89 87 This initiative positions the university at the forefront of global efforts to tackle brain diseases, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions affecting people across all ages. Associate Professor Justin Dean, from the Department of Physiology and affiliated with the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), serves as New Zealand's co-lead alongside Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie from the University of Otago. This partnership not only amplifies local expertise but also opens doors to unprecedented funding and collaborative opportunities in University of Auckland brain research.

New Zealand's ageing population underscores the urgency of such advancements. Neurological conditions are leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, impacting quality of life, productivity, and healthcare systems. By joining this network, Kiwi scientists gain a platform to influence research priorities and contribute unique insights from diverse populations, including Māori communities. 88

Unpacking the European Partnership for Brain Health

The European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth) is a 10-year programme launched in January 2026, uniting over 55 institutions from more than 30 countries with a staggering €500 million budget—equivalent to approximately NZ$982 million. 86 Co-funded by the European Commission via Horizon Europe, it serves as a coordination hub for stakeholders to drive translational research from lab benches to real-world solutions in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for brain conditions.

New Zealand associated with Horizon Europe in 2023 and formally joined this partnership late 2024, with the University of Otago administering the national hub and the Ministry of Health providing NZ$500,000 in seed funding. This enables local teams to access larger consortia grants, fostering transdisciplinary work involving scientists, clinicians, patients, advocates, technologists, and industry partners. For the University of Auckland, it means heightened visibility and integration into decision-making tables that shape global brain health agendas. 89

• Focus areas: Early detection of brain changes, novel therapies, policy development, and equitable care models.
• Key goal: Empower those living with conditions to steer research priorities.
• Global scale: Addresses rising dementia, stroke, and neurodegeneration amid demographic shifts.

Justin Dean's Pivotal Role and CBR Leadership

Assoc Prof Justin Dean, Head of Physiology at the University of Auckland, embodies the bridge between local innovation and international prowess. "It will open new opportunities for New Zealand brain researchers to get involved in large international studies," Dean states, highlighting enhanced visibility and patient-focused outcomes. 89 His co-leadership ensures Māori and Pasifika perspectives inform global questions.

Complementing this is Professor Hanneke Hulst, CBR's new Director since December 2025. A clinical neuroscientist from the Netherlands with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) and cognitive rehabilitation, Hulst brings lived experience—her mother battled MS—and a vision for holistic, collaborative neuroscience. "Scientists need to collaborate as a global community," she emphasises, aligning perfectly with the partnership's ethos. 123 Succeeding Sir Richard Faull, CBR's founding director knighted for brain research services, Hulst aims to forge ties with Europe and the US.

The Centre for Brain Research: Auckland's Neuroscience Powerhouse

Established in 2009, the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at Waipapa Taumata Rau stands as one of the university's premier research centres, uniting over 200 scientists across faculties in world-class neuroscience. Spanning genetics, cellular studies, brain imaging, and clinical therapies, CBR tackles pressing issues like neurodegeneration, epilepsy, brain injury, and psychiatric disorders.

Its governance reflects commitment to equity: a Directorate led by Hulst, an Oversight Board co-chaired by FMHS and Science Deans, an International Science Advisory Board, a dedicated Māori Advisory Board chaired by Assoc Prof Makarena Dudley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu), and a Research Advisory Committee. 122 This structure ensures culturally responsive, high-impact work. Recent Neurological Foundation grants totalling millions underscore CBR's prowess, funding PhD scholarships and projects on dementia, brain cancer, and motor neuron disease.

Recent Breakthroughs Fueling Momentum

CBR's track record bolsters the partnership's promise. In 2025, a $1.2 million Health Research Council grant targeted brain injury recovery by preventing fibrosis on meninges. 111 Studies on headbutting rams inform concussion research relevant to rugby, while plant-based nutrients combat cognitive decline in ageing Kiwis. Positive thinking's link to immune support via brain activity offers non-invasive avenues.

Funding successes include Marsden Fund allocations exceeding $24 million university-wide in 2025, with CBR researchers prominent. These achievements position Auckland to leverage EP BrainHealth for accelerated translation, from bench to bedside.

• Brainstem's role in hypertension: New insights for cardiovascular health.
• MS cognitive variability: Hulst's foundational work.
• Stroke cooling caps: Clinical trials funded by Neurological Foundation.

Boosting Higher Education and Research Careers in NZ

For New Zealand's higher education sector, this partnership signals a renaissance in neuroscience training. CBR offers doctoral scholarships, including Māori-specific ones, and postdoctoral fellowships. Current openings like Research Assistant in Neurogenetics and Research Fellow in Neuropsychology attract global talent. 113

Explore research jobs or higher ed jobs at AcademicJobs.com to join this wave. Aspiring lecturers can draw from career advice on becoming a university lecturer, adapting insights for NZ contexts.

Funding Streams and Practical Opportunities

The NZ$500,000 Ministry of Health injection unlocks Horizon Europe calls via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Researchers contact National Contact Points like Prof Rachael Taylor for guidance. Benefits include dataset access, infrastructure sharing, and travel for skill-building.

MBIE Horizon Europe Health Cluster details participation steps. University of Auckland teams, via Justin Dean, are primed to lead bids.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Impacts

"This partnership is an investment in the future," says Prof Parr-Brownlie, stressing economic gains from healthier ageing. 87 Patients and whānau stand to benefit from person-centric innovations. Policymakers gain data for equitable systems, while industry partners eye commercialisation.

In NZ context, where 1 in 3 live with neurological issues, CBR's Māori-led initiatives ensure cultural safety. Check NZ university opportunities for regional ties.

Challenges, Solutions, and Future Horizons

Challenges like limited domestic funding persist, but global pooling mitigates this. Ethical integration of AI in brain imaging and equitable trial access require vigilant governance.

• Solutions: Transdisciplinary teams, patient involvement, open data.
• Outlook: By 2036, expect breakthroughs in early diagnostics, regenerative therapies, and mental health interventions.

This elevates University of Auckland brain research, inspiring students via scholarships.

Photo by Gaurav Kumar on Unsplash

Career Pathways and Next Steps in Higher Ed

The surge creates demand for neuroscientists, clinicians, and data experts. Visit higher ed career advice, rate my professor, or higher-ed-jobs to prepare. Postdocs thrive here—see postdoc roles.

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