The Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery is set to launch its first Pacific Strategy this week at the 2nd Pacific Peoples Fono in the Community, hosted by The Cause Collective in Manukau, New Zealand.
The strategy, titled Tautai fa’atonutonu folau — which means “Take the lead, set the course” — lays out a plan to strengthen Pacific leadership and participation in biomedical research. Biomedical research is the science that helps us understand diseases and develop new treatments and cures.
Community network
The Maurice Wilkins Centre is one of New Zealand’s Centres of Research Excellence (often called a CoRE). Rather than being based in one building, it operates as a nationwide network of scientists, doctors and researchers working together across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor Dave Grattan FRSNZ, Director of the Centre, said choosing Manukau for the launch was intentional.
“Launching our Pacific Strategy at The Cause Collective places community at the heart of this work,” Professor Grattan said.
“It reflects our commitment to Pacific leadership, partnership and excellence, and to ensuring biomedical research delivers meaningful outcomes for Pacific peoples.”
Built through Pacific voices
The strategy was developed through talanoa — open and respectful conversations — with Pacific researchers at different stages of their careers and from different institutions.
It is built around three key pillars, or pou:
- Tagata o le Moana (people) — focusing on growing Pacific talent and leadership
- Fakatotolo (research) — strengthening research excellence
- Kainga (partnerships, place and relationality) — building strong community and institutional relationships
Dr Ofa Dewes, a senior research fellow at the University of Auckland and Research Director at The Cause Collective, said the strategy marks an important step forward. Dr Dewes is of Rotuma, Tonga, Tuvalu, Tokelau and Ngāti Porou descent and is also a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), a national honour recognising her service.
“This strategy affirms Pacific values, knowledge systems and community relationships as central to excellence in biomedical research,” Dr Dewes said.
She said many early-career Pacific researchers are especially interested in metabolism — the study of how the body uses food for energy and how this affects health. The Maurice Wilkins Centre, she said, provides important opportunities to build professional skills and leadership among Pacific scientists.
Health challenges
The fono — a community gathering — and the strategy launch will bring together Pacific community leaders, health organisations, researchers, students and other stakeholders. The aim is to strengthen relationships and support research led by Pacific peoples.
A keynote address will be delivered by Professor Nikki Moreland, a Principal Investigator at the Maurice Wilkins Centre and at Rapua Te Mea Ngaro Ka Tau. Her talk, titled “Innovative efforts to beat Strep A and Rheumatic Fever in Aotearoa and beyond,” will focus on tackling serious illnesses that disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific communities. Strep A is a common bacterial infection that can lead to rheumatic fever, a potentially life-threatening disease that can damage the heart.
Even
What: 2nd Pacific Peoples Fono in the Community and Launch of the Inaugural Pacific Strategy of the Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery — Tautai fa’atonutonu folau (“Take the lead, set the course”)
When: Thursday 27 February, 8.30am – 3.15pm
Where: The Cause Collective, 15 Earl Richardson Ave, Wiri, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand.
