Our Directors

Our Directors

Professor John Windsor BSc MBChB MD FRACS FACS FRCSEd FRSNZ
Director of the STaR Centre and the Surgical Trials Unit

As a Professor of Surgery, John Windsor has been recognised for leading contributions to science and teaching by the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Royal Australasian College of Surgery, and appointments with several Centers of Research Excellence.  A specialist in pancreatic, biliary, gastric and oesophageal surgery, his clinical practice in New Zealand is enriched by international research collaborations, visiting professorships, and participating in expert panels.  Professor Windsor maintains a wide ranging research programme including biomedical technology innovations, parenteral nutrition and fluid resuscitation, and the pathophysiology of pancreatitis.

Email: j.windsor@auckland.ac.nz
Staff profile – click here

Fred Astle BMS PGCert PGDipA
Director of Kaupapa Māori, STaR Centre

“Ki te kotahi te kaakaho, ka whati! Ki te kaapui, e kore e whati!
When reeds stand alone, they break! But bound together, they are unbreakable!” (Kingi Tawhiao)

Fred Astle is experienced in providing Māori leadership and consultation for a variety of organisations throughout the Northern half of the motu. Having Fred as a Board Member shapes our research from inception to help meet the needs and aspirations of tangata whenua for collaboration, culturally respectful programmes, health equity, and workforce development.

Email: f.astle@auckland.ac.nz

Professor Greg OGrady MBChB PhD FRACS
Director of the Surgical Engineering Laboratory

“My passion is research translation: the purposeful flow of great ideas and great science out of the lab to benefit patients. At the SEL we aim to do this at scale, by building technologies into innovative products that have the power to transform clinical practice in areas of unmet need.”

Greg O’Grady is a General and Colorectal Surgeon at Auckland City Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Auckland. He brings cross-disciplinary expertise in bioengineering.  Greg’s special interests are in in medical device development and commercialization, electrophysiology and neuromodulation, and gut motility.

Email: greg.ogrady@auckland.ac.nz
Staff profile: click here

Professor Anthony Phillips BSc MBChB PhD
Director of the Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory

Anthony Phillips is a medical doctor and scientist, who holds senior academic appointments in both the Department of Surgery and the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. His specialist areas include lymphatic physiology, experimental microsurgery, and applied biochemistry.  He has past commercial translational experience in the biotechnology sector as both a Preclinical and Clinical Director developing therapeutics for diabetic cardiomyopathy and wound healing.

Email: a.phillips@auckland.ac.nz
Staff profile: click here

Professor Ian Bissett MBChB MD FRACS
Director of the Global Surgery Group

“My vision for the Indigenous and Global Surgery Group is to use research to identify initiatives that demonstrably improve outcomes for patients, then ensure that these advances reach those who most need them both within and outside New Zealand.”

Ian Bissett’s public hospital practice is based at Auckland Hospital.  He is the most recent Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Auckland, which is one of the largest academic and training hubs in Australasia.  Ian’s ongoing research interests relate to colorectal cancer and fecal continence. Balanced with this, he makes annual trips to operate and teach in Nepal.

Email: i.bissett@auckland.ac.nz
Staff profile: click here