Mātai hosted many events during September and October, including a Dementia & Mental Health Update, the Gisborne A&P Show, and The Miracle of Vision. Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week was fully immersed among the Mātai building. We had the privilege of presenting our vision for the expanded Mātai campus to Minister Shane Jones and key regional stakeholders. The Mātai team had a strong presence at Queenstown Research Week last month, showcasing a variety of collaborative research projects. Mātai hosted a co-design hui for the Tairāwhiti Child Imaging Study, bringing together community stakeholders to refine this innovative initiative. The Methamphetamine Recovery (MERP) Team was thrilled to share recent project updates with Fred Lewis, Darryle Prosser, Robbie Lewis, and Chris Stephenson from the Fred Lewis Enterprise Foundation. See the new journal papers published: - 3D Quantitative-Amplified Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3D q-aMRI)
- Validation of an ultrahigh contrast divided subtracted inversion recovery technique using a standard T1 phantom
In a proactive effort to ensure uninterrupted patient care, Mātai were contracted to provide MRI services to Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, while they replaced their existing MRI machine. Our flagship mTBI/concussion research project had another successful year thanks to our many partners including Gisborne Boys High School. This month, Mātai is excited to embark on a new collaboration with Oxford University and Auckland Bioengineering Institute to enhance mTBI diagnosis in sports.
We have had many visitors the past two months including The University of Auckland, local schools, Centre for Brain Research researchers, Fred Lewis Enterprise Foundation, and so many wonderful external collaborators who joined us in our Mātai tent at the A&P show. Ngā mihi nui, The Mātai Team
Top image by Dr Loxlan Kasa: Our brain consists of approximately 86 billion neurons. Thanks to advanced MRI technology and sophisticated mathematical and computational methods, we can now model and isolate the groups of neurons responsible for vision, allowing us to study them in unprecedented detail. One major visual pathway, known as the Optic Radiation, transfers information from the eye to the visual cortex—the part of the brain at the back that processes visual signals. This pathway is highlighted in pink after extraction.
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Dementia & Mental Health Update |
This month, Mātai hosted a community evening with presentations on Dementia and mental health. A range of experts spoke on the upcoming dementia and mental health research underway. Speakers included Dr Gonzalo D Maso Talou, Dr Beatrice Ghitti, Vanessa Tang (Auckland Bioengineering Institute); and Dr Maryam Tayebi and Dr Eryn Kwon (Mātai). The collaboration between ABI and Mātai brings major opportunities for Tairāwhiti Gisborne. A huge thank you to the speakers, everyone in the community who joined us, and a special thanks to Pāpā Taharakau Stewart for opening the event with a beautiful karakia.
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What an incredible start to spring and an amazing weekend for the region's biggest community event. In the Mātai tent we had a wide range of games, research kōrero, and competitions. Connecting with our community on a deeper level was truly special. A huge thank you to our collaborators who joined us: Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Ngāti Porou Oranga, University of Otago, Malaghan Institute, Centre for Brain Research, MS Society, Gisborne Alzheimer's Society, TBI Health, House of Science, and Tōnui Collab. Special thanks to Tūranga Health for their generous in-kind support.
Did you visit us at the Mātai tent? We'd love your feedback to help us make next year even better. |
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Mātai hosted an engaging series of presentations on advancements in eye health research. The event, The Miracle of Vision, highlighted the latest breakthroughs in understanding and treating eye diseases.
Dr Jesse Gale opened by discussing how mechanical stress impacts the optic nerve, offering insights into related diseases. Dr William Schierding introduced Radiogenomics, a precision approach combining genetics and imaging for early disease detection, especially glaucoma. |
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Dr Loxlan Kasa presented his use of advanced MRI techniques to study glaucoma progression through eye movement and visual pathway analysis. Finally, Dr Graham Wilson explored the intricate partnership between the eyes and brain in creating vision.
A special mention to Principal Investigator Dr Graham Wilson and his whānau, as they depart Gisborne after a lifetime here. The immense amount of work in the community, and medical fields have been invaluable. They will be dearly missed. The Mātai team presented Dr Graham Wilson with a toki pounamu, blessed by Kaiārahi Tikanga (Mātai Cultural Advisor) Davidson Taylor. |
Image from left: Davidson Taylor, Oka Sanerivi, Dr William Schierding, Dr Eryn Kwon, Danielle Wilson, Leigh Potter, Dr Sophie Couper, Dr Maryam Tayebi, Dr William Peters, Bree Allan, Dr Loxlan Kasa |
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During Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Mātai embraced the spirit of Māori Language Week with a range of vibrant activities aimed at celebrating and fostering Te Reo Māori. The week featured daily bingo competitions, morning karakia and waiata sessions, open wānanga for learning and sharing, as well as shared kai that brought everyone together.
The celebrations were rich with whanaungatanga, strengthening bonds within the Mātai community and extending to our Tōnui Collab whānau, who joined us throughout the week. This was a meaningful opportunity to honour Te Reo Māori and deepen connections within our shared space. |
Mātai campus expansion: Advancing innovation, research, and education |
Last month, we had the privilege of presenting our vision for the expanded Mātai campus to Minister Shane Jones and key regional stakeholders. Our plans outline a 2.5-hectare site dedicated to fostering a world-class environment for medical research, technology, and education. The expanded campus will feature a National Imaging Centre, an AI and Technology Innovation Hub, and dedicated spaces for STEM education and collaboration.
With an emphasis on sustainability and community integration, the campus will incorporate green spaces and shared areas, creating a welcoming environment for researchers, students, and the local community. Once complete, this development is projected to generate $37 million in annual economic activity and over 200 new jobs, driving significant growth in the Tairāwhiti region.
Supporting local talent remains central to Mātai Institute's mission. Over the past four years, we have proudly supported 19 PhD students, one locally-based master's student, and provided over 50 local internships and scholarships. These opportunities encourage young people from Gisborne to pursue higher education and bring their expertise back to their community.
As we advance to the next stages of development, we extend our sincere appreciation to our community, iwi, Kānoa-RDU, Trust Tairāwhiti, Gisborne Holdings Ltd, Urbanismplus, Chapman Tripp, and many other valued partners whose support has been instrumental in creating this vision of a sustainable, globally recognised campus that will promote innovation, research, and economic development for years to come. |
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The Mātai team had a strong presence at Queenstown Research Week in September, showcasing a variety of collaborative research projects. Presentations highlighted significant work underway at Mātai, and included talks by Dr Eryn Kwon, Dr Josh McGeown, and Dr Maryam Tayebi on the mTBI/concussion project; Dr Gil Newburn on ultra-high contrast MRI for detecting white matter changes; Dr Gonzalo Maso-Talou on the Brain Pressure project; and Prof Karen Waldie on the ADHD project. Special congratulations to Huti Puketapu Watson (Ngāti Porou Oranga and Mātai Ngā Māngai Māori member) for her keynote address on "The Applications of Mana Motuhake in Genomic Research," which highlighted the impactful work of Ngāti Porou Oranga and their partners. Congratulations also to Dr Catherine Morgan (University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow and Mātai Research Advisory Board member), who is leading a New Zealand-based dementia study, for her talk on imaging biomarkers of dementia.
Congratulations to Dr Josh McGeown (top left) who won second place for the Queenstown Research Week Early Career Researcher Presentation. Ka rawe Josh! Jessica Gu (bottom left) presented on Attentional performance following subconcussive head impacts after one season of rugby play in youth: A neuroimaging and clinical correlated study, at the Annual Psychology Conference, New Zealand. |
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Tairāwhiti Child Well-being Co-Design Hui |
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Last month, Mātai hosted a co-design hui for the Tairāwhiti Child Imaging Study, bringing together community stakeholders to refine this innovative initiative. The study uses advanced MRI imaging, data extraction, and computational modelling to develop predictive healthcare models for children, focused on the diverse Tairāwhiti population.
We are grateful to our partners and stakeholders, including representatives from Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Auckland University of Technology, University of Auckland, Eye Institute - Auckland, Gisborne schools, Turanga |
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Health, Ngāti Porou Oranga, Sport New Zealand, Health New Zealand Tairāwhiti & Starship, Trust Tairāwhiti, Three Rivers Medical Centre, Waikohu Health Centre, City Medical, GE Healthcare, and parents. Their insights are invaluable in shaping the study's next steps.
Special thanks to Mātai kaumātua Pāpā Taina Ngarimu for ngā karakia and lullaby, Stu Potter for leading the hui, his assistant Zara Potter, and to young participants Grace and Pearl O'Connor, who shared how the study has inspired them and given them a sense of contribution to community health.
With community collaboration at its heart, the Tairāwhiti Child Imaging Study aims to advance paediatric healthcare across New Zealand. We look forward to beginning the next phase with scans for 50 children by year-end. Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful kaupapa! |
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The Methamphetamine Recovery (MERP) Team was thrilled to share recent project updates with Fred Lewis, Darryle Prosser, Robbie Lewis, and Chris Stephenson from the Fred Lewis Enterprise Foundation. As the cornerstone supporter of our MERP study, the foundation is instrumental in advancing our research on the effects of methamphetamine on the brain and heart. Together, we aim to develop improved treatment options and create impactful educational resources to help address the devastating effects of this drug.
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Congratulations to Jacob Mathew and Christina Leong, Part IV Engineering students at The University of Auckland, for earning Runner-Up in the Final Year poster competition for Biomedical Engineering.
Their poster, titled "Can AI Predict Concussion?", showcases innovative research using brain MRI and kinematic data from Mātai. This work holds great promise for AI in predicting concussions and protecting athletes at risk. Ka rawe Jacob and Christina. |
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Our flagship mTBI research project had another successful year thanks to our many partners including Gisborne Boys High School. We're thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Professor Antoine Jerusalem and Phoebe Haste from Oxford University, along with the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, on pioneering research in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) detection. Presented at the Podium Institute for Sports Medicine and Technology Conference, this study is developing a way to combine machine learning with advanced brain impact simulations to enhance mTBI diagnosis in sports, aiming for safer, more reliable assessment methods.
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Video: Demonstration of the pulsing brain – the colour represents the motion of the brain, amplified 30x making it visible to the naked eye. |
3D Quantitative-Amplified Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3D q-aMRI) |
Researchers from Stanford University and Mātai have developed 3D Quantitative Amplified MRI (3D q-aMRI), a quick scan that quantifies tiny brain movements that are invisible on standard cardiac-gated structural brain MRI scans. This builds on the amplified MRI technique that magnifies subtle brain movements caused by blood flow to the brain as the heart beats. This could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of brain disorders. |
Validation of an ultrahigh contrast divided subtracted inversion recovery technique using a standard T1 phantom |
Mātai Senior Research Fellow, Dr Mark Bydder, and collaborators published a study "Validation of an ultrahigh contrast divided subtracted inversion recovery technique using a standard T1 phantom" in NMR in biomedicine.
This study validates the innovative ultra-high contrast dSIR MRI technique, offering enhanced T1 contrast to detect changes in brain white matter for use in conditions such as traumatic brain injury and hypoxic injury. Dr Bydder developed the theory and performed the validation of the dSIR signal using a standard T1 phantom, a specially designed object used in MRI to test and calibrate the performance of MRI machines and methods.
Huge congratulations to Mark and the entire ultra-high contrast team for this valuable contribution to medical imaging. |
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MRI Services provided to Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti |
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In a proactive effort to ensure uninterrupted patient care, Mātai were contracted to provide MRI services to Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti while they replaced their existing MRI machine with a new state-of-the-art model. This collaboration highlights the commitment to community health and the importance of accessible diagnostic imaging.
With the 3T MRI machine on-site, all 174 patients received their scans on time, enabling prompt diagnoses and treatment plans. The advanced imaging technology provided detailed images for accurate assessments, underscoring our commitment to the community's health and ensuring access to essential medical services.
As the hospital recently unveiled their new MRI machine, we at Mātai are proud to have played a part in supporting our local healthcare system. We're dedicated to continuing to provide high-quality medical imaging services, now and in the future.
We enjoyed working alongside Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti during this process, and a massive thank you to our clinical team were on hand to guide patients through the entire process. |
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| A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the Mātai-CBR Early Career Research Fellow Retreat |
This event was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration, writing, and engaging with our local Tairāwhiti Gisborne community. Special thanks to Dr Maryam Tayebi (Mātai), Alireza Sharifzadeh-Kermani (Auckland Bioengineering Institute), and Dr Joan Leung (Centre for Brain Research) for organising the retreat.
Thank you to the Neurological Foundation and the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) for making this retreat possible. "It was a truly enriching experience, and for many of us, the first CBR Postdoc Retreat held in Gisborne opened new doors for building connections with brain and medical research institutes across Aotearoa." - Dr Joan Leung |
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Dr Samantha Holdsworth recently joined Dr Lucinda Thatcher for an engaging chat at Eastwoodhill Arboretum, blending neuroscience and nature. This special event was part of a fundraising initiative to support Eastwoodhill, New Zealand's National Arboretum. Guests enjoyed quizzes and insights on how natural environments can benefit brain health, while also having the opportunity to bid on art pieces, with all proceeds going toward the preservation of Eastwoodhill's wonderful collection of trees and plant life. The evening highlighted the powerful links between health, science, and conservation.
Read more about the event and learn more about Eastwoodhill's mission .
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| We were thrilled to host Dr Andrea Doubleday and
Dr Tracey Pieterse, from the University of Auckland's Medical Imaging Programme, at Mātai last week! It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our latest advancements in medical imaging and explore potential collaborations with their programme.
Image (from left to right): Leigh Potter (COO, Mātai and part of the medical imaging advisory board at the University of Auckland), Andrea Doubleday (UoA Medical Imaging Undergraduate Academic Coordinator), Dr Tracey Pieterse (UoA Medical Imaging Undergraduate Clinical Coordinator), Taylor Emsden (Mātai MRI Technologist), Dr Samantha Holdsworth (CE/Research Director, Mātai & Associate Professor University of Auckland), and Paul Condron (Mātai Charge MRI Technologist).
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It was a delight to host the Honourable Steven Joyce at Mātai last week. Steven came to Gisborne to speak at another function, and we were thrilled that he took the time to visit Mātai and show his interest in all the work we're doing in medical science and imaging. |
We were delighted to host the New Zealand Amateur Winemakers and Brewers Federation for a tour of Mātai last month. Our team enjoyed sharing insights into our work and appreciated the many insightful questions from our guests. |
It was a pleasure to host Willy Te Aho, Chief Executive of Te Aitanga a Māhaki, who shared his valuable experience in shaping various initiatives across Tairāwhiti and offered insightful guidance for the future of the Mātai campus. |
We have had many school's come in these past few months to visit Mātai. It is awesome to see the local talent rising in our region. If you or your school is interested in visiting Mātai, please contact Bree Allan b.allan@matai.org.nz |
New insight into dementia at Mātai |
Eye experts to present research at Gisborne's Mātai Medical 18 - 20 October |
Mātai hosted a distinguished team of eye experts and eye health researchers in a series of free presentations open to the public. See the full story here. |
2024/25 Summer Internship Programme Begins
18 November |
On November 18, our new summer internship cohort will begin their 10-week programme with us. We have 16 interns ready to embark on a summer filled with knowledge, growth, and learning. Stay tuned for updates. |
Unleash your inner entrepreneur 21 November |
A unique chance to hear from innovative entrepreneurs who turned their studies into successful startups. Keep an eye out on the TāikiE website for more information. |
We would like to acknowledge, with appreciation, our supporters who made the establishment of Mātai possible, including Kānoa - RDU, Hugh Green Foundation, Trust Tairāwhiti, the Mangatawa Beale Williams Memorial Trust, the JN and HB Williams Foundation, the University of Auckland, GE Healthcare, Peter and Bronwen Holdsworth Family, Pultron Composites Limited, the Lotteries Significant Projects Fund, Fred Lewis Enterprise Foundation, Anonymous Donor, the QUEST Trust, Turanga Health, Friends of Mātai, local iwi, and many others.
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Copyright © 2023 Mātai Medical Research Institute Inc. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Physical Address: Mātai Medical Research Institute 466 Childers Road Gisborne, 4010 New Zealand Mailing Address: Mātai Medical Research Institute PO Box 359 Gisborne, 4040 New Zealand |
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