Pacific Science Research Symposium explores future of Pacific-led science

The breadth, diversity and growing influence of Pacific-led science were on display at the Faculty of Science Pacific Research Symposium, The Future of Pacific-Led Science, held 3 September at Te Papa Ako o Tai Tonga in Manukau.

Bringing together students, early-career researchers and established academics, the symposium explored a central question: What might the future of Pacific-led science look like, and how can different disciplines, people and ways of knowing contribute to shaping it?

The day opened with a mihi whakatau led by Faculty Kaiārahi Tui Kaumoana, followed by addresses from interim Dean of Science Professor Mike Kingsley and Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Fonoiā Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau.

First held in 2022, the symposium has become an important platform for showcasing Pacific research and strengthening Pacific research leadership. This year's programme was organised around four interconnected themes: People, Environments, Knowledges and Futures, bringing together research spanning psychology, education, health, environmental science, ecology, computer science and astrophysics.

Associate Dean Pacific, Associate Professor Sam Manuela, said the symposium encouraged an expansive view of Pacific science that embraces diverse methodologies, knowledge systems and collaborations.

The future already in the room

A key focus of the symposium was supporting and showcasing the next generation of Pacific researchers.

Presenters ranged from honours and masters students to doctoral candidates, research fellows and senior academics, reflecting a growing pipeline of Pacific talent across the sciences.

"When we talk about the future of Pacific-led science, some of that future is already here, with the people in this room and the work they're doing," said Manuela.

"As we look ahead, that future is influenced by what has come before us and what we're doing in the present.

"Some of our presenters have been working in their fields for many years. Others are at the beginning of their research journeys, working out the questions that interest them, the kind of researcher they want to be and the contributions they want to make. Today, all those voices share the same stage."

Pacific peoples driving science

Keynote speaker Dr Christina Newport explored what Pacific-led science looks like in practice through her work on Pacific climate mobility and adaptation. Drawing on collaborative research with communities across the region, Newport highlighted the importance of placing Pacific perspectives at the centre of conversations about climate vulnerability, resilience and human mobility. Her work recognised the value of culture, relationships, local knowledge and connections to place alongside other forms of scientific evidence.

Looking ahead, she challenged researchers and institutions to move beyond isolated examples of Pacific-led science and focus on creating the conditions needed for it to thrive. This included building research capacity, developing leadership pathways, strengthening ethical partnerships and ensuring research priorities are shaped by Pacific communities.

Research addressing real-world challenges

The symposium featured a broad range of research responding to contemporary issues facing Pacific peoples and communities.

During the first session, Manuela shared findings on the experiences and preparedness of the Pacific psychology workforce. Dr Sonia Fonua explored talatalanoa vā and relational approaches to professional development in higher education, while Katalina Ma discussed initiatives to strengthen STEM pathways and belonging for Pacific learners. Dr Elizabeth Holt presented work towards a Pacific-led vision for physiotherapy education, workforce development and practice across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

The second session focused on environments and knowledge systems, highlighting research that ranged from environmental health to ecology and astrophysics.

Dr Wendy Fan presented research on naturally occurring asbestos in New Caledonia, while doctoral candidate Satendra Kumar examined the movement of carcinogenic mineral fibres through soils in Aotearoa. Dr Ariel-Micaiah Heswall explored how birds experience South Auckland's urban-industrial environments, and astrophysicist Dr Sean Richards shared research examining binary stars and stellar populations across cosmic time. Richards is the first person of declared Sāmoan ancestry to complete a PhD in Physics at the University of Auckland.

The final session centred on Pacific health, wellbeing and emerging technologies.
Doctoral candidate Jessee Fia'ali'i presented research on measuring vā within healthcare settings, while Masters student Zarya Poulava shared work translating and culturally adapting psychological distress measures into Cook Islands Māori. Research assistants Tiama Bradley and Zach Knill examined the current state of Cook Islands mental health research and identified opportunities for more locally grounded studies.

Computer Science Honours student Jeremy Ethan Ibrahim presented ideas for a culturally conscious disaster-response tool designed to improve visibility of people sheltering outside formal evacuation systems.

The day concluded with Dr Sarah Kapeli reflecting on the past, present and future of Pacific psychologies and the importance of centring Pacific knowledge systems within the discipline.

Creating space for talanoa

A defining feature of the symposium was the commitment to talanoa. Each session concluded with presenters reflecting on their research, journeys and future aspirations; thus creating opportunity to explore common themes across disciplines and to learn more about the people behind the research.

For Manuela, the talanoa sessions were among the most valuable parts of the programme.

"One of the things I really enjoyed about the talanoa was getting to know a little more about the people behind the research: how they found their way into their areas, what keeps them interested in the work, and some of the challenges and opportunities they see ahead," he said.

"The symposium covered some very different areas of science, but the talanoa gave us time to find connections across them and to think about what we might learn from each other."

Stitching together the future

Reflecting on the day, Manuela drew parallels between the symposium and the Cook Islands tradition of tivaevae.

The creation of a tivaevae involves people working collectively to design, create and stitch together different pieces of fabric while sharing knowledge, skills and experience. The process has long been used as a metaphor for Cook Islands research and knowledge-making.

Manuela said the symposium echoed this collective approach by bringing together researchers from different disciplines, backgrounds and stages of their careers to contribute to a shared vision.

"The Future of Pacific-Led Science" ultimately invited researchers to think collectively about what lies ahead and the relationships, opportunities and collaborations needed to get there.

As Pacific researchers continue to expand their presence across the sciences, he says the symposium demonstrated that Pacific-led science is not confined to any one discipline.

"It is a growing and dynamic movement driven by Pacific peoples generating knowledge, addressing complex challenges and helping shape the future of research in Aotearoa, the Pacific and beyond."