About us
Our Story
In 2003, an Addiction Research Network was established to foster greater collaboration across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Its aim was to undertake high quality research on substance misuse and other addictive behaviours and disseminate these findings to help inform New Zealand evidence-based policy and best practice in this field.
The Addiction Research Network comprised researchers with a broad spectrum of specialised skills including clinical trials, population surveys, cost effectiveness valuations, educational and training evaluations, service development and evaluation, and biomedical research. It produced research that informed government policy and enhanced professional practice in alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling.
In recognition of the Network’s achievements and realising the potential for harnessing the breadth of expertise across the University into an interdisciplinary programme of addiction research, a Centre for Addiction Research was established in August 2012, and Professor Janie Sheridan was its inaugural Director.
The Centre for Addiction Research actively pursues opportunities to work with researchers with expertise beyond the medical and health sciences, in fields that also seek to understand the impact that dangerous consumptions have on the individual and society, including psychology, anthropology, sociology, law and business.
Our Mission
The Centre for Addiction Research aims to facilitate, support and undertake world-leading research to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond. It does this by generating robust evidence that can inform practice and policy around the understanding, prevention, and treatment of addiction.
Our Values
The Centre for Addiction Research is based on a set of values that guide how we work, namely equity, diversity of thinking, integrity, respect, collaboration and ethical relationships. Such values underlie all we do and provide the platform for the valuable and innovative research we undertake.
Our Partners
Our Centre is made up of more than 60 members from the University of Auckland, spanning faculties including Medical and Health Sciences, Arts, and Science. Additionally, we collaborate with many affiliate members from other universities and research groups. Together, we foster a rich environment of expertise, innovation, and impactful research.
Our leadership
Professor Antonia Lyons
Director
Professor Peter Adams
Associate Director
Associate Professor David Newcombe
Associate Director
Professor Natalie Walker
Associate Director
Affiliate members
Dr Andi Crawford
Associate Professor Victoria Egli
Associate Professor James Foulds
Dr Sarah Herbert