Funding medical research is investing in future generations
So says Louisa Homersham, one of the Otago Medical Research Foundation’s five elected board members.
Louisa, who is the Chief Financial Officer for Delta in Dunedin, has had a long connection with the Foundation, having worked behind the scenes on OMRF financial and secretarial administration for many years as an accountant with Deloitte.
That role finished when she left Deloitte, but Louisa jumped at the opportunity in March 2023 to reconnect with the Foundation as a board member. “I understand why it’s so important to the region and I’m happy to bring my financial experience and background into the mix. It’s a nice fit; I am pleased to be involved.”
As well as being on the council she is also on the investment sub-committee.
One of the most satisfising roles in this capacity has been to help set up an investment fund that will support ongoing arthritis research, all thanks to a substantial bequest.
Louisa also enjoys seeing the Foundation support summer research scholarships. “We have a good robust process, and it’s so positive to be involved with something that not only delivers research outputs but potentially starts careers as well. “It’s very satisfying.”
And of course, she enjoys being part of the gala and fundraising events. “The fundraising side of the Foundation is crucial, particularly in a recessionary economy – without it we don’t have the money to invest in vital research,” she says.
“The foundation is important to Dunedin. Not all of the flow-on effects from research investment are immediately obvious, but they are there, and they are enduring – the work has a long tail.”
“We are investing in medical research and while we can’t predict ultimate outcomes, what we fund will have results that will influence subsequent generations, and that can be huge. We have a long-term view.”
She also likes that the Foundation fits nicely alongside the strong tertiary environment in Dunedin. “We enjoy a close relationship with the University.
“I particularly appreciate that we are working with experts who are world-leading. The proposals we see are well-prepared; when we choose to support a proposal with funding, we know it’s had all the due diligence done – that gives us the confidence we’re investing wisely.”