Stories

I’m an infectious disease doctor and researcher, and my particular interest is in respiratory infections. In the past month I have been involved in advising the Ministry of Health on the response to COVID-19, working with laboratories to establish testing for this disease, and talking to media and the public to help explain the rapidly-evolving situation and what it all means.

I’ve averaged over five media interviews every day over the past month. This includes local and international media. I’ve written opinion pieces and answered the public’s questions put to me though media about COVID-19 and what to do to keep themselves safe. Academics and scientists always have a responsibility to share their knowledge. But today it is even more important we communicate the complex in terms people can understand and relate to. Medical and epidemiological terms, such as flatten the curve, have now come into the public consciousness. That’s a good thing as people need to understand in order to play their part in saving the lives of our country’s most vulnerable. Never before have we needed collective action from the whole population more than now. 

Another silver lining likely to come out of this global pandemic is an increased awareness and appreciation of research. Let’s hope it also encourages an appreciation of the people who fund research. While Governments fund large projects, the majority of researchers (myself included) got their start with funding from smaller organisations and charities such as the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation (CMRF). My research career began as a University of Otago, Christchurch Summer Student during my medical school years. Every year for several decades, CMRF has funded many of our Summer Studentship projects.

Now as Dean of the University of Otago, Christchurch, I see the careers of many young researchers being started by CMRF funding.  So as a CMRF Alumni, and on behalf of the young researchers who will make their mark in future, I would like to thank those of you who provide the financial backing that allows CMRF to help our work. Now more than ever, the value of this investment is evident.