The Liggins Institute, the first large-scale research institute at The University of Auckland, was established in 2001. It is one of the world’s leading centres for research on maternal and child health, the impact of nutrition on health throughout life, the regulation of growth and development and evolutionary medicine. The Institute was named after Professor Sir Graham (Mont) Liggins, one of New Zealand’s most eminent medical scientists. His work, which led to a much deeper understanding of the birth process, dramatically improved survival rates among premature babies all over the world. His technique of giving mothers steroid injections during premature labour to stimulate the development of the baby’s lungs is now standard obstetric practice. The nutrition of mothers and children is arguably the most critical environmental factor in determining the long term health of populations. Much of the research at the Institute is focused on discovering how nutrition during critical stages of development, from before conception through to adolescence, affects a lifetime of health. The Liggins Institute is unique in being able to take research from basic laboratory science through to clinical and population based studies to provide evidence that can influence medical practice and health policy. Postgraduate training at the Liggins Institute provides researchers with the opportunity to experience the challenges and excitement of working at the cutting edge of innovative, international health research. The Liggins Institute also recognises the obligation to keep the public informed about the role of science in modern society and about research and its practical and ethical implications. The Institute provides opportunities for those without a science background to engage in dialogue through seminars and public lectures.