Research

The Centre for Reproduction and Genomics undertakes research in three broad areas:

• livestock and human reproduction
• livestock and human health and disease
• the control of animal reproduction

"The CRG undertakes genomically-informed research on issues of significance related to mammalian reproduction, health and disease."

The strength of this approach derives from the use of an ever-increasing body of genomic resources, in a comparative, evolutionary framework, to derive new knowledge of the key similarities and differences among our study systems, whether these be species, populations or individuals. This approach provides a framework from which we can rapidly identify new genetic candidates for simple and complex traits, better understand biochemical and developmental pathways, develop new biological and biomedical models, and ultimately gain technological improvements to animal production, animal and human health (Figure 1).

Figure 1. An integrated, genomically-informed, approach for research at the CRG

Aims

Building on the leading science already undertaken in each of these programmes we aim to:

• provide new knowledge to enhance or suppress reproduction in livestock, humans and other animal systems;
• improve our ability to predict susceptibility to disease and illness in livestock, humans and other animal systems;
• advance our basic knowledge of reproductive and genomic biology;
• develop technological advances in reproductive and genomic science.

Our multi-disciplinary programmes involve integrated science capability teams, as well as collaboration with external science groups. An important part of our remit is to establish and maintain strong links with national and international stakeholders, particularly those in the pastoral sector of New Zealand.

Our scientists are innovative and motivated to pursue these science goals, and with our knowledge of animal systems, the technical expertise and the equipment base we have in the CRG, we are aiming to do extraordinary things.