Otago University cancer researchers spoke for five minutes each, in collaboration with colleagues from Auckland University and Wellington's Malaghan Institute.
Health Minister Tony Ryall hosted the 5.30pm event, at Parliament's Grand Hall. Otago researchers will also take part in an awareness-raising roadshow event in Nelson about October and later at a North Island venue, university officials said.
Associate Prof Parry Guilford, director of Otago University's Centre for Translational Cancer Research, and Prof Tony Blakely, director of the Health Inequalities Research Programme at Otago's Wellington campus, discussed cancer research.
Research "posters" were presented by Prof Bridget Robinson, Prof Catherine Day and Dr Rose Richards.
Pro-vice-chancellor health sciences Prof Peter Crampton said the researchers were showing MPs and policymakers the vital importance of health research for the wellbeing of New Zealanders, as well as for the country's health system and economy.
New Zealand had "world-class health researchers who make a difference".
They were undertaking "exciting work" and were helping improve the health system.
Social and economic benefits also resulted, but the final outcome was not always immediately evident when scientists began their work, he said.
