Emeritus Investigators

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Professor Juliet Gerrard

Professor Juliet Gerrard

Emeritus Investigator

Phone:
+64 9 923 5264

Address:
School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Thomas Building (Research)
Building 110
3a Symonds Street
Auckland Central 1010

Biography

Juliet has pioneered the integration of biology with materials science within the Institute. Her seminal contributions include the use of 'molecular lego' to make nanomaterials by controlling the aggregation of proteins, and significant commercialisation activity, such as have resulted in the formation of Hi-Aspect.

Her contributions to the research environment have been massive, including a highly successful stint as Chair of the Marsden Fund Council; too successful, in the sense that it has led to her current appointment as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, a role that obliges her to step down as a Principal Investigator in the Institute. We anticipate, however, continuing many productive conversations with her in her new role!

Research interests

Juliet's research is interdisciplinary and highly collaborative, cutting across biochemistry, chemistry, health, agricultural and food science and biomaterial design. It also incorporates a full spectrum of applied and fundamental research.   

At present, the major focus is the understanding of the higher order protein assembly. This research has potential application in the design of novel therapeutic agents (by disrupting assembly), the improvement of food, and in the assembly of novel materials, e.g. from higher order quaternary complexes or amyloid fibrils.

Rather than just understanding the structure that biology had given us, we wanted to change it, and see what we could do with it.

Professor Juliet Gerrard

In the news

Annual Report

Juliet Gerrard: Science in Dark Times

May 27, 2022

Science in Dark Times, a new documentary directed by Shirley Horrocks, screened as part of the NZ International Film Festival.

Read more about Juliet Gerrard: Science in Dark Times

News Article

Unexpected directions make new maps

October 22, 2020

Becoming CEO of a startup is never straightforward, but Dr Kyle Webster has taken the ‘long road’ to an extreme

Read more about Unexpected directions make new maps

Annual Report

When physics meets biochemistry - Annual Report 2018

April 8, 2019

Could bio-inspired self-assembled magnetic structures make computers more efficient?

Read more about When physics meets biochemistry - Annual Report 2018

Annual Report

Biomaterials as surgical tools - Annual Report 2018

April 8, 2019

More than 250 corneal transplants are performed each year but the number is limited to donor numbers and there are not enough. Synthetic or naturally derived surgical substrates offer a solution.

Read more about Biomaterials as surgical tools - Annual Report 2018

In The Media

'I literally covered my wall in Post-it notes': meet NZ’s new chief scientist

November 13, 2018

The new chief science adviser to the prime minister, Professor Juliet Gerrard, talks about diversity in science, the political hot potatoes, and what constitutes science.

Read more about 'I literally covered my wall in Post-it notes': meet NZ’s new chief scientist

In The Media

Media coverage of MacDiarmid Principal Investigator Professor Juliet Gerrard’s appointment as PM’s science advisor

June 28, 2018

Professor Gerrard’s appointment has been covered by the NZ Herald, stuff.co.nz, and The Spinoff. Scientists have applauded the appointment of respected biochemist Professor Juliet Gerrard as the next science adviser to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Read more about Media coverage of MacDiarmid Principal Investigator Professor Juliet Gerrard’s appointment as PM’s science advisor

In The Media

NZ Herald interviews MacDiarmid Principal Investigator and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Juliet Gerrard

June 28, 2018

University of Auckland biochemist Professor Juliet Gerrard is about to start her new role as Prime Minister's chief science adviser, taking over from long-serving Professor Sir Peter Gluckman.

Read more about NZ Herald interviews MacDiarmid Principal Investigator and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Juliet Gerrard

In The Media

AMN8 Outreach

March 28, 2017

680 secondary school students came along to hear and be inspired by David Leigh in Christchurch - who also appeared on RNZ and was featured in an article about molecular machines by TheSpinoff.

Read more about AMN8 Outreach

Podcasts

Call for national plastic recycling strategy

Professor Juliet Gerrard on the call for a national plastic recycling strategy

January 27, 2020

MacDiarmid Institute Emeritus Investigator and Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor Professor Juliet Gerrard talks with Emile Donovan at Radio New Zealand about her report, 'Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa.'

Read more about Professor Juliet Gerrard on the call for a national plastic recycling strategy