We are pleased to announce the recipients of the National Research Grant Round 2025.
Jodie Collins
Read about Jodie Collins, one of our grant recipients.
Jodie Collins
University of Auckland
PhD Scholarship - $135,000 over 3 years
Improving Quality of Life for CRC Patients Through Prehabilitation in Aotearoa
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Many people who have this cancer go through tough times with their body, mind, and eating during and after treatment.
This study wants to find out how a special support plan, called prehabilitation, can help people before they start treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. Prehabilitation gives support with exercise, healthy eating, and mental wellbeing, so people feel stronger and recover better.
The researchers will work closely with patients, their whānau (family), and health services to create a programme that suits each person’s needs. The plan will be based on a Māori view of health, which cares for the whole person, body, mind, spirit and relationships.
This study also wants to find out where people can and can’t get this kind of help, especially in rural areas and suggest ways to make sure everyone has fair access.