Professor Anna Ranta, Head of Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington is a globally recognised stroke neurologist and advocate for health equity. She leads the New Zealand National Stroke Registry and holds leadership roles in several stroke and neurology organisations. Anna also collaborates widely across Australasia and globally.
Advising on strategic priorities
Alongside Professor Shitij Kapur from King's College London, Anna serves as an international advisor to the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB). AMRAB guides the MRFF's funding priorities.
"The MRFF is an important research funder in Australia," she says. "I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to supporting investment in the highest yield and most pressing areas of health care."
Anna sees her advisory role as a way to strengthen trans-Tasman collaboration. "Our countries are closely aligned. I want to give back knowing that many Australians have supported our New Zealand research funding efforts over the years."
"I am also keen to ensure that those who need to benefit from the research, as well as the researchers themselves, have their views and opinions considered."
Driving impact and equity
For Anna, the MRFF is making a real difference in health and medical research. "The size and duration of some grants is really transformative as they offer comprehensive, longer-lasting research programs achieving significant impact. Also, the approach to prioritisation, including sector-wide engagement, is really impressive."
The MRFF's focus on stroke is especially important to Anna, not just because it is her area of expertise-but because the burden of disease is so incredibly high. A strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is another highlight.
Anna believes that strategic investment in health and medical research can elevate a country to global leadership. "It results in better health and wellbeing for the people. This translates directly into economic growth that strengthens a nation."
She emphasizes that high-impact research not only improves lives but also enhances a country's academic standing and global influence.
"Researchers and institutions become well-known, attracting excellent students, researchers, and industry partners to come work and operate in Australia. It's a highly desirable positive feedback loop that benefits essentially everyone."
Looking ahead
Anna is excited about the increasing use of AI in both health and medical research, but wants to ensure it is used appropriately. "I think it requires more exploration to best harness its power and consider potential unintended impacts. What is for certain, it cannot be ignored and should be considered in all aspects of health care and research."
She also sees promise in better integrated international collaborations that can support low- and middle-income countries and help reduce global health inequities. "Through the smart use of technology, we can share knowledge widely into even the most remote areas, and capitalise on our joint desire to make the world a better place."
Anna is optimistic about the future of health research and the role of emerging researchers in driving change. Her advice to the next generation of researchers is both simple and inspiring:
"Dream big. If you have an idea of how to improve health, keep at it and find those who share your optimism and encourage you. We are out there."
