The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research focuses on developing breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy.

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is New Zealand’s world-class independent biomedical research charity with a focus on developing breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy. Its key areas of research and discovery include cancer, infectious disease and allergic and inflammatory diseases.

The Foundation has had a relationship with the Institute for over thirteen years, and during this time has expanded its commitment, with specific support for the Hugh Green Technology Centre (HGTC).  The HGTC is the engine room of Malaghan, providing the technology and expertise that drives forward research and development activities. The Foundation provided a five-year $7.1 million grant which completed in 2022, alongside additional funding to purchase new equipment for the HGTC, to support Malaghan’s growing translational and clinical research activities.

This enabled Malaghan to make new discoveries, gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the immune system and enable the work necessary to translate these discoveries into better, gentler treatments for diseases like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and COVID-19.  Malaghan has been able to build essential capability for New Zealand’s biomedical research, including vaccine design and manufacturing, and nanomedicine technology, and the scientists working in the HGTC have played a significant part in clinical studies and trials that bring the Malaghan’s research into the community.

In 2023, the Foundation undertook a consultation project to ascertain how Malaghan could be sustainable following a potential large, scaled donation. HGF then pledged an additional sum of $15 million, spread over five years, to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, with the aim to implement a sustainable business plan and move towards a sustainable footing with a diverse range of developments and additional revenue sources.

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is using the HGF gift to (a) build HGTC’s capability to continue to support the Institute’s research and to (b) expand the HGTC’s service offering and develop partnerships that can provide new sources of funding. Already there has been significant investment in people capability and training, enhancements in the services that the HGTC offers including in flow cytometry and spatial transcriptomics and building of collaborations in NZ and overseas already flowing through into new revenue streams.

“For 13 years, the Hugh Green Foundation has been an indispensable partner in our quest for scientific advancement at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. Their steadfast support and investment in our cutting-edge technologies have catalysed ground-breaking discoveries in immunology, including pioneering CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment. Together, we’ve transformed research into tangible solutions, bringing hope and healing to countless lives. This enduring collaboration epitomises our shared commitment to innovation, integrity, and a healthier future for all.” – Kylie Price, Chief Technology Officer, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research