About us
Our Story
The TRANSFORM research centre was established in 2023, evolving from The National Institute for Health Innovation and, before that, the Clinical Trials Research Unit. TRANSFORM’s heritage spans many lands and oceans, reflecting the journeys of tauiwi* from the Pacific Islands to Europe, Asia, and beyond, weaving together a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences.
Each member of TRANSFORM has a story of migration, adaptation, and resilience, shaping the vibrant and inclusive research community it is today.
TRANSFORM brings together a diverse range of expertise across various disciplines. Our collective expertise spans multiple fields, including Public Health, Pacific Health, Public Policy, Nutrition, Digital Health, and more. With 240 years of combined research experience and a remarkable track record of over 1,651 published articles, the Centre is a powerhouse for qualitative and quantitative research, dedicated to making a tangible impact on population health.
Additionally, the Centre excels in clinical trials, particularly pragmatic community-based effectiveness trials, aiming to explore new interventions for the prevention and management of common serious diseases.
At the heart of TRANSFORM’s research ethos lies a profound commitment to collaborative design and partnership-driven methodologies. We achieve this through co-design and partnership-based approaches that amplify the voices of communities and prioritise both people’s health and environmental sustainability.
*In Te Reo Māori, “tauiwi” translates to “the people who landed and settled.”. This term embodies more than just visitors or tourists; it represents those who have chosen to call Aotearoa their home. For the individuals within TRANSFORM, settling in Aotearoa is seen as a privilege.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a future where our research tangibly improves people’s health and wellbeing. Grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we are dedicated to genuine partnership with communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to pioneer equitable health policies and practices. We aim to become a trusted partner locally and globally, setting new standards in research that positively influence policies for the betterment of Aotearoa and beyond.
Our Leadership
Professor Chris Bullen
Director
Professor Andrew Jull
Co-director
Professor Robyn Whittaker
Co-director
Associate Professor Helen Eyles
Co-director
Our PhD Students
Thesis: Assessing the impact of cool roofs on health and wellbeing of household residents in Niue
Hannah Lu
Thesis: Assessment of vaccine safety and effectiveness using a global data network: A statistical perspective in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thesis: The illicit tobacco trade in New Zealand: The impacts of tobacco control policy changes.
Thesis: Co-creation of a digital intervention to support the mental wellbeing of older adults in New Zealand.
Thesis: Developing a gamified digital intervention for supporting people with chronic respiratory disease.
Thesis: Contextualising a shift towards plant-based diets among the New Zealand adult population.
Thesis: The role of New Zealand oral health professionals in supporting people to stop vaping.
Thesis: The Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers of Children with Neurological Disabilities: A Comparison Study of Chinese Caregivers in China and New Zealand
Thesis: Understanding Smoking Behaviours Among Muslims and Developing a Faith-based Smoking Cessation Intervention