The Otago Medical Research Foundation is delighted to congratulate Summer Research Scholarship students Sasha Anisimova and Sam Meikle, who have been jointly awarded the Renshaw Prize for 2025-2026.
Named in honour of one of the Foundation’s founders, the late Dr P K Renshaw, the Renshaw Prize recognises the Summer Research Student who, in the opinion of the OMRF Scientific Committee, has made the most worthwhile contribution to medical research during the year. In recognition of the exceptional quality of both projects, the prize has been shared, with each student receiving $250.
Sasha Anisimova completed her project under the supervision of Professor Bob Hancox in the Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. Supported by an anonymous funder, her project, Does Vaping Help Smokers Quit? Real-World Outcomes and Health Impacts in the Dunedin Study, examined whether vaping helps smokers quit in everyday settings. The study found that vaping did not appear to increase quitting success or reduce smoking-related symptoms among middle-aged smokers in the Dunedin Study. Instead, many participants continued both smoking and vaping over time, suggesting that vaping often supplemented rather than replaced smoking. Sasha is currently in her third year at the University of Otago, studying biomedicine and politics.
Sam Meikle undertook his project under the supervision of Professor Rebecca Campbell in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. Supported by the Aotearoa Gaming Trust, his project, Investigating altered microglial synaptic pruning during neurodevelopment in a PCOS-like model, explored whether immune cells in the brain contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The research found no significant differences in this process in young mice with a PCOS-like condition, suggesting that other biological mechanisms are likely responsible for the brain changes associated with PCOS. Sam hopes to attend Medical School in 2027.
The Foundation congratulates Sasha and Sam on their outstanding achievements and thanks their supervisors and funding partners for supporting the next generation of medical researchers.
