Perinatal science combines basic science and clinical research to investigate all aspects of early life development. This includes changes in the maternal environment (for example nutrition) and complications of pregnancy. Research in this area is about identifying the factors that impact a child’s long-term health, and pinpointing the determinants of a long, healthy life. An important part of perinatal science is identifying opportunities for intervention prior to conception and in early life, and translating these research findings into changes in clinical practice.

The Liggins Institute at the University’s Grafton campus is a centre of research excellence in the field of perinatal science. Based opposite Auckland City Hospital, you’ll be supervised by practising clinicians and widely published academic staff with expertise ranging from paediatrics to physiology. It’s this cross-disciplinary approach that uniquely places us to view human health problems from multiple angles.

When you join us for your doctorate in perinatal science, you'll join a high-calibre research community and have the opportunity to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop your network in academia and industry.

We welcome research proposals in topics relating to our four key research themes:
Healthy mothers, healthy babies
- Pregnancy complications
- Preterm birth and altered fetal growth
- Maternal, fetal and neonatal treatments

Determinants of a healthy life
- Developmental epigenetics
- Developmental origins of health and disease

Nutrition for life-long health
- Newborn nutrition
- Maternal nutrition
- Nutrition for healthy ageing

Research to reality
This area of research is about translating our findings into practice, whether in the healthcare sector or in the community, to ensure our research has impact on outcomes.