Marsden medal awarded to brain researcher

Professor Mike Dragunow has won the New Zealand Association of Scientists Marsden Medal, recognising his lifetime contribution to research on brain disorders.

Mike is a world-leading neuropharmacologist at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland who has uncovered causes of brain disorders and cancers, and has helped to develop treatments.

He has played a key role in establishing platforms that have changed the face of brain research in Auckland, most notably the Hugh Green Biobank, which houses laboratory-grown brain cells derived from tissue from generous patient donors.

These cells are used to test for new treatments for conditions such as  Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, epilepsy,  Huntington’s disease, and brain cancers.

Mike was also pivotal in launching the Freemasons Neurosurgery Research  unit, which brings together clinicians from Te Toka Tumai, Auckland City  Hospital and scientists from the University to promote neurosurgery research.

Over the years, Mike’s work has been funded through more than $55 million in research grants. He has published more than 340 research articles and book  chapters and supervised more than 100 graduate students.

This week’s Marsden Medal win follows another significant award - last week,  like won the Royal Society Te Apārangi Hercus Medal for his contribution to brain research. Read more.