Malaghan Institute and Victoria University ‘renew vows’ after 21 years of partnership

Malaghan Institute Director Professor Kjesten Wiig says the two organisations were effectively renewing their vows, 21 years after the institute moved to purpose-built facilities on the university campus in 2004.

“Being co-located on Victoria’s Kelburn campus has provided opportunities for joint science programmes over the years, and for Malaghan staff to contribute to teaching and supervision of students. This new agreement reflects this longstanding relationship and looks to the future – using our combined strengths and networks to grow our shared capability in biotechnology and biomedical sciences,” she says.

“As a small, independent research organisation, fostering strong relationships with tertiary institutions, research institutes, hospitals and clinics nationally and globally is vital for us to maximise the impact of our research. The relationship with Victoria serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved when organisations work together collaboratively with a shared vision.”

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says the university shares a common vision with Malaghan: to advance world-class biotechnology research that addresses critical public health challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

“This collaboration strengthens our ability to build and sustain vital research capacity for the future, through the fostering of joint initiatives in teaching, supervision and research. We are excited about the meaningful contributions it will make to the social, environmental, economic and cultural wellbeing of our communities.”

Together with the University of Auckland and the University of Otago, Victoria University and the Malaghan Institute are partnered to deliver the national RNA Development Platform. The $70 million strategic science investment from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, has just completed the first of seven years, and is building scientific expertise, self‐sufficiency and economic opportunities in an end‐to‐end RNA technology platform for New Zealand.

Future-focused and outward-looking in nature, the partnership between Victoria University and the Malaghan Institute will focus on creating a focal point of scientific excellence in Wellington that attracts research leaders, entrepreneurs and partners, and has national and international visibility and connectivity.