Tongan born academic, Dr Losa Moata’ane, has been appointed to the role of Associate Dean Pacific at Otago University’s Division of Sciences in Dunedin, New Zealand.

A nursing and human nutrition graduate of Otago University, Dr Moata‘ane completed a Doctorate in Public Health in 2017. She has worked for Otago’s Department of Human Nutrition for over 20 years, where she helped established a Pacific research team.

“As science is so applied and encompasses so many disciplines, it has the potential to make a huge contribution to the Pacific and its people,” Dr Moata‘ane said in a media statement issued last week.

“Science permeates every part of life and can make a huge contribution to the Pacific, but the narrative hasn’t been written that way.”

In conjunction with her Associate Dean role, Dr Moata‘ane will continue to hold a research position with the Department of Human Nutrition’s World Health Organisation collaborating centre.

“I am a strong advocate for nutrition in the Pacific and the collaborating centre has built strong relationships across the region which will provide an excellent network for this role,” Dr Moata‘ane says.

The Division of Science has also been building its relationship with Tonga and recently working with the local Ministry of Education on professional development of local science teachers.

Dr Moata‘ane says this is an example of a great initiative to work collaboratively with different sectors to address the importance of science both in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Division of Science Professor Richard Barker says Dr Moata‘ane will add huge value to this important role with her knowledge, experience and close links she has had with Otago over the years.

“As a science intensive university based in the Pacific we are addressing many similar challenges, so Otago is keen to partner with our Pacific neighbours to add value and support these opportunities,” Professor Barker says.