About Us
The New Zealand Association of Clinical Research (NZACRes) is a professional association for clinical researchers. It was formed to foster and promote clinical research in New Zealand.
NZACRes is a non-profit scientific educational organisation run by volunteer officers selected from its membership.
Our Goals
The objective of NZACRes shall be to promote medical research in New Zealand to improve public health. In particular, NZACRes will
- Foster clinical research in New Zealand;
- Facilitate the exchange of information amongst members interested in clinical research;
- Provide and foster education and training in clinical research;
- Facilitate communication amongst New Zealand clinical researchers and with other national and international clinical research organisations; and
- Carry out other activities consistent with these charitable purposes.
Our Members
NZACRes membership is open to all those who have an interest in clinical research.
Join NZACRes
Members Include
- Investigators, Study Coordinators, Physicians, Clinical Research Nurses, University and Hospital based research personnel
- Clinical Research Managers, Clinical Research Associates, Regulatory Specialists and personnel from research institutes
- Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and Medical Device research personnel
- Pharmacists and Laboratory personnel
- Health Economists, Biostatisticians and Data Managers
- Medical Writers and Industry Consultants
Ruth Lucas is a clinical research professional with over 20 years of experience working within the clinical trials industry. Starting out in the UK Ruth gained experience conducting clinical trials across all phases from working in a phase I unit to multi-centre phase IV studies. Ruth moved to New Zealand in 2006, working for both CRO and Pharmaceutical companies. During this time Ruth was also involved with training and mentoring of research professionals and enjoyed coaching and motivating other professionals to participate in high quality research. Ruth then continued to work as an independent contractor on a number of differing projects from Investigator-Led studies to large industry sponsored trials, with a focus on quality improvement within NZ. In 2019 Ruth took up the post as Research Manager for Cancer & Blood Research at Auckland District Health Board, broadening her industry experience into the DHB. At the end of 2022, Ruth took on a new venture as part of the leadership team of a NZ start-up CRO offering CRO services and consulting in precision medicine.
Ruth Lucas
Erica has over 20 years’ experience in the clinical research industry. Starting as an assistant at Auckland University, CTRU, then moving to the UK and training as a CRA at Imperial College London’s Centre for Circulatory Medicine.
Erica returned to New Zealand in 2007 to continue her career moving into Regional Clinical Trial Management within the CRO’s then Senior Project Management at a Sponsor / Biotech level. Her clinical trials expertise includes First in Human, Oncology, Diabetes and Cardiovascular therapy areas Phase I - Phase III clinical trials.
Erica is currently an Associate Director at BeiGene, leading a team of Regional Clinical Study Managers across ANZ. She continues to develop her passion for expanding clinical trials in New Zealand and building strong relationship with the clinical trial sites.
Erica returned to New Zealand in 2007 to continue her career moving into Regional Clinical Trial Management within the CRO’s then Senior Project Management at a Sponsor / Biotech level. Her clinical trials expertise includes First in Human, Oncology, Diabetes and Cardiovascular therapy areas Phase I - Phase III clinical trials.
Erica is currently an Associate Director at BeiGene, leading a team of Regional Clinical Study Managers across ANZ. She continues to develop her passion for expanding clinical trials in New Zealand and building strong relationship with the clinical trial sites.
Erica Currie
Jo is the Operations Manager at NZCR Christchurch and has worked in various research roles over her career. These roles include the late phase patient studies having managed the Haematology Clinical Trials unit at Christchurch Hospital before moving into the Early Phase first in man trials at NZCR.
Jo is a Registered Nurse with a MHealSc, and has a passion for clinical research and the opportunities it creates to improve health outcomes for current and future patient groups.
Jo Sanders
Currently Chris is Senior Manager, Global Site Activation at IQVIA RDS Pty
Limited. Chris has worked in various roles in the clinical trial industry since 2007, initially as Operations Manager for a Phase 1-3 unit in Christchurch (including healthy volunteer and first in human trials). In 2016 he moved to the CRO world, commencing at IQVIA as a start-up specialist, and since 2019 has managed a team of start-up specialists across Australia and New Zealand. He is a registered nurse with clinical experience in spinal injuries and haematology and has also held a variety of nursing and service leadership roles.
Limited. Chris has worked in various roles in the clinical trial industry since 2007, initially as Operations Manager for a Phase 1-3 unit in Christchurch (including healthy volunteer and first in human trials). In 2016 he moved to the CRO world, commencing at IQVIA as a start-up specialist, and since 2019 has managed a team of start-up specialists across Australia and New Zealand. He is a registered nurse with clinical experience in spinal injuries and haematology and has also held a variety of nursing and service leadership roles.
Chris Taylor
Marina Dzhelali works as a Research Office Manager and is in charge of the Hutt Valley DHB and Capital & Coast DHB Research Offices. Born in Russia, raised in Ukraine and graduated in the USA, Marina has worked professionally in the USA and NZ for the past 20 years. Marina has acquired research experience in many clinical areas and has been NZACREs member since 2004 in the variety of roles.
Living in the Hutt Valley allows her to enjoy the combination of suburban and a semirural life style with her husband, kids and animals.
Marina Dzhelali
Deb is the Group Manager for Research at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand where as part of a team she will be leading on evidenced recommendations for Aotearoa New Zealand’s research infrastructure, working in close consultation with Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health. The focus of this work is to build out a national model that is focussed on equitable access to clinical research including clinical trials.
Deb’s background in senior clinical research management spans the UK working for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and the NHS, returning to NZ where she developed and implemented a research infrastructure for Starship Child Health before moving to manage the team at Te Pūriri o Te Ora, Cancer & Blood Research.
Deb’s background in senior clinical research management spans the UK working for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and the NHS, returning to NZ where she developed and implemented a research infrastructure for Starship Child Health before moving to manage the team at Te Pūriri o Te Ora, Cancer & Blood Research.
Deb Matich
Katie Borroz is a clinical research professional with over a decade of experience in clinical trial management. Originally from the United States, she earned a Master of Public Health degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC, with a focus on global health before moving to New Zealand in 2017. She currently serves as a Clinical Research Manager at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, responsible for the strategic oversight of the Human Health Research Services Platform, where she leads a team of over 30 staff. Katie has spearheaded large research programs and collaborations with investigators and commercial partners, demonstrating strong leadership of research teams. Her experience spans clinical trial coordination, project management, establishing policies for quality and protocol compliance, and developing innovative strategies for study participant recruitment and retention.
Katie Borroz
NZACRes Advisor
Julie has over 20 years of experience in vaccine development and clinical trials across a variety of roles within the clinical research industry. She is currently working as a quality manager and sits on the Central Health & Disability Ethics Committee. She has previously established a GMP facility and spent 7 years within the European pharmaceutical industry working within clinical trial project management, strategic development and relationship management positions.