Professor Andrew Shelling
Position: University lecturer, Researcher, Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences University of Auckland
Field: Genetics
Andrew is head of the Medical Genetics Research Group, which is primarily interested in understanding the molecular changes that occur during the development of genetic disorders, including cancer.
The aim of Andrew's research is to provide a better understanding of important changes during the development of disease. This will eventually help to improve the early detection of disease, and to target more effective treatment.
There's a lot of unnecessary suffering out there that we can do something about...
Most of his research has focused on premature menopause and ovarian cancer.
Career Pathway
Andrew completed his PhD in 1992 at the University of Otago. His research for this focused on the development of viral vectors for use in gene therapy.
In 1992 he received the prestigious Nuffield Medical Fellowship to study at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford for three years, where he worked on the genetics of ovarian cancer. During this time he also taught at Christ Church College, Oxford.
In 1995 he returned to New Zealand to take up a position as head of the Medical Genetics Research Group at the University of Auckland. In 2014 he became Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and then Associate Dean (Research) in 2022.
Genetic testing: Getting the DNA
Researchers can use DNA samples to find genetic combinations that might increase the risk of getting a particular disease. The DNA is often collected from the white blood cells in a blood sample.
He has held served in many organisations, often taking leading roles, for example:
Deputy head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2001–2013)
President of the New Zealand branch of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (2002–2004)
Deputy-Chairperson of the Advisory Committee for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (2006–2012)
Director of the Bachelor of Medical Sciences Honours programme (2008–2016)
Associate Editor for the Human Reproduction journal (2004–2013)
Breast Cancer Cure's Principal Researcher and has held a key advisory seat on the board since 2020.
Trustee for the Nurture Foundation for Reproductive Research
Interests
Andrew has represented New Zealand in the World Mountain Running Championships, was a member of the Otago University 1st squash team, and played for the 1st rugby team of Christ Church College in Oxford.
His interests include keeping fit, camping, fishing, gardening, wine-making, Asian food. He has participated in the 2005 Coast to Coast multisport race.
This article is based on information current in 2025.
Useful link
View Andrew's University of Auckland profile here.
