Professor Ian Town
Chief Science Advisor, Manatu Hauora - Ministry of Health, NZ Professor Ian Town has worked across both the health and education sectors during his 30-year career. A physician by training, he has published extensively in respiratory medicine. Much of this research has been implemented through evidenced based guidelines for the management of common conditions such as asthma, COPD and pneumonia. Following an 8-year term at the University of Canterbury as Deputy Vice-Chancellor he has had a wide range of governance roles and completed a 5-year term as the Chair of the Health Precinct Advisory Council leading one of the key Christchurch Earthquake recovery projects. In his role as Chief Science Advisor he is leading the Ministry's work to implement the New Zealand Health Research Strategy (2017-2027) in partnership with Te Whātu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora. Until recently he has been working full-time on the Government's COVID-19 Response. With the implementation of the 2022 Pae Ora Act and the Health Reforms the COVID-19 response has moved to the Public Health Agency. Ian is based in the Evidence, Research and Innovation Directorate/Te Pou Whakamārama at Manatū Hauora.
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Research and Clinical Trials in New Zealand
Clinical trials are a core part of a high performing, learning health system and the backbone of a thriving health research environment. The Enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand Clinical Trials project, funded by Manatū Hauora and the Health Research Council of New Zealand under the New Zealand Health Research Strategy (2017-2027) will inform the design of a national ecosystem for clinical trials, which will strengthen the overall environment for research and innovation. Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora are establishing a programme to further develop and implement the proposed model across the public health system. This presentation will discuss the role of Manatū Hauora in the establishment of the infrastructure and systems, how Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Manatū Hauora are working together on the programme and how the sector can be involved. Through this collaboration we are making progress on the initial prioritisation of the report’s recommendations to realise the benefits of a national equitable and Te Tiriti centred model for clinical trials.
Clinical trials are a core part of a high performing, learning health system and the backbone of a thriving health research environment. The Enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand Clinical Trials project, funded by Manatū Hauora and the Health Research Council of New Zealand under the New Zealand Health Research Strategy (2017-2027) will inform the design of a national ecosystem for clinical trials, which will strengthen the overall environment for research and innovation. Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora are establishing a programme to further develop and implement the proposed model across the public health system. This presentation will discuss the role of Manatū Hauora in the establishment of the infrastructure and systems, how Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Manatū Hauora are working together on the programme and how the sector can be involved. Through this collaboration we are making progress on the initial prioritisation of the report’s recommendations to realise the benefits of a national equitable and Te Tiriti centred model for clinical trials.