Research

AUT research is focused on real-world impact, and we're proud of our reputation as a leading research university and have been awarded five stars for research by QS. We have more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering innovative research – from artificial intelligence and robotics to ecology and public health. Our research addresses issues facing the environment, society and the world, and also feeds back into the classroom to benefit our students.

Latest university research

Can smells influence what you buy?

Business

Using scent strategies to nudge consumers toward more wholesome food options is an under-explored opportunity to improve public health outcomes.

Atawhai shifts family violence response

Health sciences

An AUT-led project recently published its findings that aims to transform thinking and outcomes in health care responsiveness to family violence.

AUT student Axl Rogers heads to NASA

Engineering, computer and mathematical sciences

He’s been a cleaner, mowed lawns and worked as a builder, but now Axl Rogers is close to completing a PhD in astrophysics and is jetting off to NASA.

NZ largest podcast study: Podcast Summit

Communication studies

At the upcoming NZ Podcasting Summit on May 11, Lewis Tennant will share his new research-the most comprehensive study of Aotearoa's podcast landscape yet.

Our world-leading researchers

You can see some of our expert researchers below. Want to see more researchers? Refresh this page to see different academic staff or search for a researcher.

Denise Wilson

Professor Denise Wilson is a world-leading academic contributing new knowledge to support a positive transformation in wellbeing outcomes, particularly for Māori.

Xiaowen Yuan

Professor Xiaowen Yuan is exploring the potential of agricultural resources to create bio composite materials for energy storage, construction and medical applications.

Rita V. Krishnamurthi

Professor Rita Krishnamurthi is an expert on dementia, stroke and epidemiology, and was part of the team that won the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Prize.

Shahab Ramhormozian

Associate Professor Shahab Ramhormozian focuses on structural/earthquake engineering, including a government-funded research programme on seismic resilient buildings.

W. Lindsey White

Professor Lindsey White is an authority on seaweed utilisation, both by humans and by marine herbivores, including the use of Undaria pinnatifida and Durvillaea spp.

Gail Pacheco

Contributing to social good through better decision-making is what drives Professor Gail Pacheco.

Valery Feigin

Professor Valery Feigin is globally known as an expert on stroke, traumatic brain injury prevention, epidemiology and treatment/rehabilitation.

Scott Duncan

Professor Scott Duncan uses cutting-edge technology to extract and visualise complex time-use compositions related to physical activity, sleep, transport and multidimensional wellbeing.

Deborah Heke

Dr Deborah Heke is known for her expertise in Indigenous methodologies and practices, with a particular interest in prioritising the knowledge systems of Māori/Indigenous women.

Find an expert

Research institutes and networks AUT is involved in

Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute

Aiming to further knowledge on health and rehabilitation, the Health and Rehabilitation Institute collaborates with universities and research partners around the world.

Institute of Biomedical Technologies

Known for its expertise in healthcare technology research, IBTec is creating technological solutions that improve healthcare for people around the world.

Knowledge Engineering and Discovery Research Institute

From computational intelligence to bioinformatics and neurocomputation, KEDRI is globally recognised for its expertise in information and knowledge engineering.

National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research

This research institute is involved in high-impact research that reduces health disparities and improves the health of New Zealanders.

National Institute of Stroke and Applied Neurosciences

NISAN is widely recognised for its expertise in cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

New Zealand Policy Research Institute

The New Zealand Policy Research Institute delivers multidisciplinary, enquiry-driven research on people and work, often collaborating with high-profile external clients.

Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand

New Zealand’s top rated sport research institute, SPRINZ is world leading in sport and human performance research, education and industry engagement.

Te Ipukarea – National Māori Language Institute

Committed to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and other endangered languages, Te Ipukarea is widely known for its innovative research and digital resources.

Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre

A 10-year research centre, which will, for the first time bring the aquaculture and renewable energy sectors together to address the challenges of offshore food and energy production.