Annual Report 2001

Firstly, I want to convey my thanks and appreciation to all who worked for the benefit of the Institute this past year. The good efforts and tremendous commitment shown by many groups and individuals, enabled real progress to be made on many fronts.

During the year the Trustees were able to approve the recommendations of the Director for the expansion of our scientific teams and the resources available to them. In particular, Steve Watson from the USA will join the Institute to take up the appointed position of General Manager reporting to the Director of Research. It is anticipated that this new position will greatly enhance the support of the research programmes at the Institute. I am pleased to welcome Dr David Waite and Mr Gary Quirke to the Board of Trustees. They both bring strong reputations for achievement to our Board in the area of medical practice and business management.

The Friends groups in Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, were all very active throughout the year. In addition to raising the profile of the Institute, their fundraising golf days alone raised an impressive $90,000 to support the Institute's research activities. The establishment of a Friends group in Queenstown was accomplished and we look forward to their inaugural events. We also wish to establish a group in Nelson this coming year, 2002.

The Institute, through the work of Dr Mike Berridge, was deeply involved with the highly publicised Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering. This has been an important process for New Zealand and looks likely to be a major issue of public discussion in the near future. The Institute is clear in its backing of the Commission's findings and the actions taken by Government to date. In order to progress with the Institute's research, we need to ensure that Government continues to support the recommendations of the Commission. It is clearly vital that New Zealand maintains access to the best scientific opportunities for improving health in the community.

The good strategic relationship that the Malaghan Institute enjoys with the University of Otago, Capital Coast Health, AgResearch and to a lesser extent, other major universities, is of great importance to the success and well being of the Institute. It should be acknowledged that without the goodwill and facilities made available by these organisations, our efforts to improve health in New Zealand would be harder.

The Director and his team of researchers had a great year of growth matched with consolidation and focus on their core programmes. They also had good success in obtaining Grant funds. The Director's Report and other sections of this Report will give further attention to these matters.

During the year greater consideration was given to capturing and protecting Intellectual Property arising from the Institute's research. There is a need for New Zealand scientists to ensure that the discoveries can also bring benefit to the economy of New Zealand.

The coming year looks as exciting as the previous and I am sure we will again enjoy the growing support of New Zealanders for their only independent Institute working on our health research issues.
Graham Malaghan
Chairman