Dr Lisa Connor joins Research For Life’s Research Advisory Committee

Dr Lisa Connor, a lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Biological Sciences and former Senior Research Fellow at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, has joined Research For Life’s Research Advisory Committee. The Research Advisory Committee evaluates applications for funding in terms of their scientific merit, methodology, likely outcomes and outputs.

Lisa has a PhD in Immunology from Otago University and a BMSC (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from Victoria University of Wellington.

She succeeds former Committee member Professor Graham Le Gros, Chief Executive and Director of Research at the Malaghan Institute. Graham stepped down from the Research Advisory Committee late last year after having been a member of the Committee since 1998.

The committee’s other members are Dr Rebecca Grainger (Chair), Dr David Ackerley, Dr Peter Bethwaite, Professor Anne La Flamme, Associate Professor Peter Larsen, Professor John H Miller and Dr Robert Weinkove.

Dr Rebecca Grainger, Chair of the Research Advisory Committee, said: “Lisa is a highly respected medical researcher and we welcome her appointment to the Research Advisory Committee.  Lisa brings fresh perspectives and great knowledge of science to the committee as an up and coming researcher. Lisa was awarded the prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Research Fellowship in 2018 to support her research into the immune system.”

“Graham Le Gros has served the Research Advisory Committee for over 20 years and provided expert advice in the review of grant applications. The Research Advisory Committee will miss his input and we wish him well.” 

Established in 1960, the Foundation funds innovative quality research undertaken by researchers in the early stages of their careers.

Last year, Research for Life made 12 research grants and nine travel grants worth $173,609. Recent projects funded included research into the basic understanding of cancer, kidney disease and conditions of particular concern in the Wellington region, such as asthma.

Grants have been made to researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington - School of Medicine and Health Science; the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research; Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Biological Sciences; Massey University, Wellington; and ESR (The Institute of Environmental Science and Research).

ENDS

About Research For Life

Research For Life is the public face of the Wellington Medical Research Foundation.

Our Mission
Supporting innovative quality research with a focus on funding those researchers in the early stages of their careers, who – through their work – will advance the quality of healthcare in the Wellington region and beyond.

Role of the Foundation
Research For Life (Wellington Medical Research Foundation) is dedicated to supporting and encouraging young, talented people to engage in medical and biomedical research.

The Foundation considers appropriate applications from all individuals and research groups in the Wellington region. We currently lend our support, in particular, to the University of Otago, Wellington - School of Medicine and Health Science, Victoria University of Wellington and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.

The need for medical research
Major discoveries in medicine have been made and continue to be made through fundamental and applied research. By funding such research, we aim to be at the forefront of medical knowledge and technical ability.

Achievements of the Foundation
The Foundation has funded work in many areas, including research into the basic understanding of cancer, kidney disease and conditions of particular concern in the Wellington region, such as asthma.

The Wellington Medical Research Foundation is a registered charity, registration number: CC10659