The Dunedin Study is celebrating an important milestone – the successful completion of its age 52 data collection phase.
One of Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – the University of Otago's world-leading research programmes, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study follows the lives of 1,037 babies born in Queen Mary Maternity Hospital between 1 April 1972 and 31 March 1973.
It is the most detailed study of human health and development in the world and has an incredible retention rate.
Professor Moana Theodore
Study Director Professor Moana Theodore says the Study would not be possible without the contribution of its Study members, their families, and local communities.
"After more than 50 years, we still have more than 92 per cent of the Dunedin Study members participating," Professor Theodore says.
"There is no other study of this type and duration in the world that has managed to retain so many of its participants!"
During the past two years, Professor Theodore and the team have met with Study members who talk about their pride in seeing the Study recognised internationally and how the findings have changed the way that society supports children, young people, and now how people age.
"I tell them that our team shares their sense of pride, many of whom have worked at the Study for decades. That we feel truly privileged to work with them every day on a study that is improving the health and wellbeing of this generation and future generations," she says.
Cohort and Assessment Manager Sean Hogan says the 50s are often a busy period in people's lives, which can include work, looking after children and grandchildren, and sometimes supporting their parents.
"We go out of our way to ensure that all Study members can participate as much as they are able to," Mr Hogan says.
"The Study is a wonderful example of the importance of each and every person, from every walk of life, who together can create something that is truly unique in this world. It gives us the full picture of human life and experiences."
The Study faced several challenges during the age 52 assessments.
Professor Theodore says worldwide, fewer people are participating in scientific studies, particularly after 2020 when Covid-19 impacted all of our lives.
"We knew that it was important to ensure that all Study members could talk about their experiences since we last saw them in 2017-2019. Based on that data we will be publishing findings on how experiences throughout our lives impact on social cohesion and our sense of belonging."
The Study was also affected by the very sad loss of the two previous directors – the founding director Dr Phil Silva (June 2025) and Distinguished Professor Richie Poulton (September 2023) who led the Study from 2000 to 2023.
"Dr Silva was a true pioneer of longitudinal research in Aotearoa who cared deeply about supporting the nation's children and young people, particularly those most in need," Professor Theodore says.
"Building on that legacy, Professor Poulton worked tirelessly in areas like child poverty reduction and led the Study's research transition from young adulthood to aging. Professor Poulton led the development of the age 52 assessment phase, prior to his untimely passing."
