Welcome to the Centre for Addiction Research! I’m delighted to join a dedicated group of researchers who are working to improve the health and wellbeing of people, communities and populations in Aotearoa New Zealand (and beyond) whose lives are affected by addictive consumptions. I am privileged to continue the work that Professor Janie Sheridan (inaugural Director of CFAR) and colleagues started when they established the Centre in 2012. This provided a place for dialogue, collaboration, and multidisciplinary research, and led to the development of excellent and ambitious research projects and programmes, as well as teaching and supervision to build capacity in the addictions workforce. This work continued under the leadership of Associate Professor Natalie Walker for 5 years, during which time membership increased to over 50 members. My role as the incoming Director builds on all of the outstanding mahi that has gone before.
The work undertaken by CFAR members grapples with the complex challenges involved in addictions. It is unique in providing a depth of insight through bringing lenses that range from the micro to the macro, and that stem from working closely with diverse communities and stakeholders. This work ranges across disciplines and areas to:
- investigate the causes, patterns and impact of addictive consumptions
- explore ways of reducing harms associated with addictive consumptions
- identify and evaluate interventions to reduce the harms associated with dangerous consumptions on the individual, communities and society.
CFAR aims to undertake research that is impactful, research that makes a difference and contributes towards creating a healthier, fairer and more equitable society. This involves producing evidence that can inform national and international policy and practice, including examining the dangerous consumption industry and how it influences policy and society. Additionally, through teaching and supervision, we aim to continue to build an effective workforce in the addictions field, one that is informed, knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate.
The Centre is based on a set of values that guide how we work, namely equity, public good, 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. I am excited to be part of this journey and look forward to sharing our work with you.
Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Antonia Lyons
Director, Centre for Addiction Research
