Our People
Find out more about our Human Health Research Services Platform team leaders.
Professor Paul Hofman
Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Director
As well as being director of the CRU, Liggins Institute Professor Paul Hofman is a paediatric endocrinologist with a focus on clinical research – including child and adolescent diabetes, newborn screening, obesity, iodine and fertility, and developmental origins of adult disease.
Professor Jane Harding
HHRS Platform Clinical Lead
Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding is the Clinical Lead for the HHRS Platform. The recipient of many prizes, including the Prime Minister’s Science Prize in 2022, Professor Harding’s research interests concern the interaction of nutrients and growth factors in the regulation of growth before and after birth, perinatal glucose regulation and the long-term consequences of treatments given around the time of birth.
Dr Sarah Benge
Human Health Research Services Manager
Sarah Benge is responsible for driving the strategic operational implementation of the HHRS Platform at the University of Auckland. Sarah has over 25 years’ experience in the clinical trial/study operations environment both in the UK and here in Aotearoa NZ, most recently with Cancer Trials New Zealand based in the University of Auckland.
Jen Rogers
Follow-up and Māori Engagement Lead
Jen Rogers leads the HHRS follow-up team and is responsible for logistics, monitoring assessment requirements, and ensuring data reliability. She has a Master of Health Sciences and extensive experience in coordinating clinical research follow-up. Jen achieves exceptionally high follow-up rates in multi-regional studies and leads an experienced team trained to deliver comprehensive, high-quality assessments.
Dr Penny Neave
Data Services Client Manager
Dr Penny Neave’s background is in clinical research. She was awarded a PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2013. In 2018, Penny joined the University of Auckland, first working as Research Programme Manager at the School of Medicine and then as the Research Project Manager at the Immunisation Advisory Centre. She now leads our team of database developers and programmers and a data monitor.
Dr Elisa Tam
Team Lead Clinical Research Coordinator
Dr Elisa Tam has a strong academic background in clinical research and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in managing and optimising all aspects of clinical research operations. As a dedicated and skilled Team Leader, Elisa excels in leading and mentoring a team of Clinical Research Coordinators to ensure the successful execution of complex clinical trials.
Varsha Parag
Senior Biostatistician
Varsha leads the HHRS Platform statistics team. She is an experienced biostatistician with over 25 years of experience supporting a wide range of research projects. Varsha is highly skilled in study design, statistical analysis and data interpretation across diverse disciplines.
Janene McMillan
Research Nurse team lead
Janene McMillan leads a team of research nurses and midwives delivering high-quality paediatric and maternal health services within a specialised clinical research unit. With over 15 years of experience in clinical research across both commercial and academic-led projects, she ensures clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and the smooth coordination of complex trials in a safe, child- and family-friendly environment.
Dr Hui Yee Yeo
Health Economist
Dr Hui Yee Yeo is a trained pharmacist and health economist with extensive experience across hospital, community, clinical research, and policy settings. At the Liggins Institute, Hui Yee leads the integration of economic evaluation into clinical research and provides consultation within and beyond the university. Passionate about translating evidence into economic impact, she collaborates with various stakeholders to improve health outcomes through research, innovation, and practical insights to shape better healthcare decisions.