Beyond TRIP: Acknowledging Peter’s Contributions to Aotearoa Brain Project
As we begin 2026, we would like to acknowledge and congratulate Peter as he steps down from his co-lead role in the Aotearoa Brain Project (ABP). While many in our community know Peter through his work with the TRIP programme, this is a timely opportunity to recognise the breadth of his long-standing leadership across Aotearoa’s neuroscience sector.
ABP was established as the continuation of Brain Research New Zealand (BRNZ) CoRE. When BRNZ-CoRE was not funded in 2021, Peter and Professor Cliff Abraham continued to co-lead the network, despite limited resources, so the BRNZ community and initiatives could carry forward and remain connected.
Since then, ABP has achieved significant outcomes with minimal resourcing, including partnership contributions to the initiation of Te Titoki Mataora, support for the Horizon Europe Brain Health Partnership, and a range of outreach activities delivered in collaboration with the Neurological Foundation and other partners. ABP has also strengthened its leadership base over time, including the emergence of co-leadership by Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika and the more recent recruitment of Professor Johanna Montgomery. With this succession in place, Peter and Cliff are stepping aside from co-lead roles while continuing to support ABP’s work.
Congratulations, and a huge thank you, Peter, for the leadership, commitment, and care you’ve contributed to strengthening the neuroscience community in Aotearoa. And—selfishly—we’re also looking forward to Peter having just a little more time for the exciting and important ear-related mahi we share through TRIP.
Aotearoa Brain Project: https://www.aotearoabrainproject.nz/, includes Aotearoa Brain Project x IEB collaboration.
Announcement from ABP (copy from the email)
“With the holiday season fast approaching, we find ourselves reflecting on the leadership that has shaped us. We want to share a special acknowledgement of Cliff Abraham and Peter Thorne, who are stepping down from their roles as co-leads of ABP.
While we are saying a heartfelt ‘see you later’ to their leadership roles, we are thrilled that they will both remain connected to our mission: Peter will continue as a principal investigator and member of the Operations team, and Cliff will remain a member of the Kāhui. A huge thank you for their immense time and dedication to ABP, and their unwavering support for the neuroscience community in Aotearoa.
We are also delighted to announce that Professor Johanna Montgomery is joining the ABP leadership team as a new co-lead alongside Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika.
We are actively seeking to fill a third Co-Lead position from the South Island to ensure strong regional representation in ABP leadership. We encourage those interested to contact abp-admin@otago.ac.nz.”