Pacific academics take centre stage at Research Symposium

The University of Auckland will host the 2nd Faculty of Science Pacific Research Symposium 11 – 13 November, showcasing new research developments and initiatives, while addressing the role of Pacific academics on the world stage. 

Faculty of Science, Mathematics, Associate Professor and Associate Dean Pacific Sina Greenwood says there was much excitement in bringing together Pacific scientists from around Aotearoa. The first Pacific Research Symposium was launched two years ago in 2022, presenting research from Pacific academics, staff and students, along with research relevant to the Pacific by the non-Pacific peers. 

“This will be the second research symposium and a great opportunity to bring our Pacific academics together. It’s an opportunity to gain more insights into the research being undertaken,” says Associate Professor Greenwood who has led the organisation of the symposium. 

Greenwood says this year will provide updates and recent developments, and showcase new research initiatives. It will also feature panel discussions on Pacific methodology, and the task of increasing the number of Pacific scientists. Another panel will address the place of Pacific academics on the world stage: how does Pacific research contribute to global conversations on climate change, Pacific resource management, and preserving marine ecosystems? 

Dr Sarah Kapeli (Lapaha, Tongatapu) from the University’s School of Psychology is a guest panellist at the research symposium, discussing how to increase the number of Pacific scientists. She is also the recent recipient of an early-career researcher Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) grant. 

The $399,977 grant will support a 36 month research project to develop a psychometric measurement tool, to capture Pacific mental health literacy. 

“Research builds evidence, and evidence informs practice (and more). It is a very much-needed element to improve health outcomes for our Pacific communities. In my opinion, it is unethical to address Pacific health and wellbeing without appropriate evidence that centres the voices of our Pacific communities. 

“For instance, in some current research that I am leading to explore mental health beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviours of our Pacific communities, the research is helping build an evidence base to address questions such as: What influences our beliefs of mental health?

"How do we know when our loved ones need mental health support?

"What are our preferred sources of mental health support?”

Research informs policy around well-being of Pacific peoples

Dr Kapeli says building an evidence base that answers these questions can inform policy, practice, and advocacy efforts that better address mental health and well-being issues facing Pacific communities. 

“However, whilst we might have the answers to these questions now, our communities grow and evolve over time. So our research and approaches must adapt and evolve with our communities, too.

"This is important because what might have worked for our Pasifika in the early 2000s, might not work for our Pasifika of today. 

“Historically, psychological research has not always served the best interests of our Pacific and Indigenous peoples. So, it is no surprise that our Pacific communities do not always trust or engage with research. 

“As a Pacific researcher, I stand upon the tenet – nothing about us, without us – and this guides my research practice to ensure I work alongside our communities in culturally appropriate, safe, and responsive ways.

"I also do not claim to be an expert, but I know that we all hold expert knowledge in some way, and it is a privilege to see this shared through research to build better outcomes for our communities.” 

The Research Symposium will be held at the Fale Pasifika at the University’s city campus. The programme will feature keynote speakers and panellists from around Aotearoa New Zealand over the three day symposium.