Emeritus Investigator
Address:
School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Thomas Building (Research)
Building 110
3a Symonds Street
Auckland Central 1010
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!
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
Annual Report
May 27, 2022
Science in Dark Times, a new documentary directed by Shirley Horrocks, screened as part of the NZ International Film Festival.
News Article
October 22, 2020
Becoming CEO of a startup is never straightforward, but Dr Kyle Webster has taken the ‘long road’ to an extreme
Annual Report
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
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
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
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.
In The Media
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.
In The Media
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.
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