$1.2 million award to pioneer Indigenous-led antiviral discovery

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland senior lecturer Dr Natalie Netzler has secured a prestigious Mana Tūānuku Research Leadership Fellowship worth $1.2 million over four years, to lead Ancestral Wisdom, Modern Science: Indigenous-Led Discovery of Antiviral Therapies.

Her work will weave together Indigenous medicinal knowledge and cutting-edge virology to identify novel antiviral treatments for viral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and measles - conditions that disproportionately affect Pacific communities and currently have no approved antiviral therapies.

“In places like Sāmoa, antivirals and chemotherapies are often inaccessible and unaffordable,” says Dr Netzler. “This research provides options - and our preliminary testing has already found broad-spectrum antivirals in traditional Sāmoan medicines. It’s incredibly exciting.”

The fellowship marks a pivotal moment for Netzler (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā, Sāmoa – Moto’otua, Falealili) as she transitions from an early-career to mid-career researcher.

The senior lecturer in virology and immunology says antiviral properties in traditional medicines have the potential to transform healthcare by creating affordable, accessible treatments while empowering Indigenous communities through knowledge sovereignty and economic opportunities.

“This is such an empowering project”, says Netzler. “Imagine finding life-saving antivirals in our own backyard.”

“It’s not just about science - it’s about self-determination and showing that Indigenous knowledge can lead global innovation.”

The strength of the project is built on its strong partnerships, she says - collaborations ensuring the research is co-designed and culturally grounded.

Privileged to work alongside such incredible partners at the Scientific Research Organisation of Sāmoa (SROS), Oceania University of Medicine (OUM), and rongoā experts from Te Tai Tokerau, Netzler says working in partnership “is everything.”

“Tapping into traditional healers' practises through local people within the usual cultural protocols brings recognition of what our forefathers did.”

“It brings depth, trust and knowledge that we could never achieve alone. Indigenous expertise is not just complementary - it’s central to finding solutions that work for our communities.”

The partners are deeply connected and committed to doing things the right way, ensuring that every stage of the research is guided by co-design and consultation to maintain cultural integrity, collaboration and protection of Indigenous intellectual property.

“We’re ensuring this research is conducted in a way that is tika - the right way - and I truly believe in it.”

Beyond scientific discovery, the project will inspire the next generation of Māori and Pacific scientists.

“One of the most exciting outcomes will be knowledge sharing. When we engage with rangatahi in Aotearoa and across the Pacific, they see themselves reflected in this work. Many may never have imagined a science pathway, but suddenly they think, ‘I can see myself in this.’

“They realise a science pathway is possible,” says Dr Netzler. “You can’t be what you can’t see. The fellowship enables us to showcase that pathway and role-model success in biomedical sciences.”

A recipient of the 2023 Cranwell Science Communication Award, Netzler is passionate about breaking barriers and mentoring future leaders.

“I came from a family where no one had been to university before my sister and me,” she shares. “If I can make this journey, others can too. We need to show that science is not out of reach - it’s something our communities can lead.”

The fellowship may also open doors for future innovation, including nutraceuticals (health-enhancing products derived from food or plants) and synthetic derivatives (laboratory-developed versions of natural compounds), contributing to economic growth and intellectual property development for Indigenous partners.