University of Auckland cancer research expansion

In July 2026 the University of Auckland announced the creation of a new Department of Cancer Sciences, consolidating existing research centres and clinical units to form New Zealand’s first comprehensive cancer centre. The department, led by Associate Professor Ben Lawrence, aims to close the survival gap with Australia by integrating prevention, early detection, laboratory research, clinical trials and personalised treatment, while seeking increased philanthropic and government funding.

Later that month researchers from the university reported promising laboratory results for a novel immunotherapy drug targeting lung cancer. The therapy, developed by a team including Jeff Smaill, Adam Patterson and Ian Hermans, converts “cold” tumours into “hot” tumours to stimulate immune attack and achieved a 30‑60 % cure rate in model tumours. A spin‑out company, Stave Therapeutics, has been formed and secured backing, planning to move toward human clinical trials within two years. Together, these developments illustrate the university’s coordinated push from organisational restructuring to early-stage drug development in its effort to strengthen cancer research and treatment in New Zealand.