A Seventh-day Adventist from New Zealand has made history as the first Pacific scientist to receive the Royal Society Te Apārangi Callaghan Medal for science communication.
Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu from the University of Otago, Wellington, was honoured for her evidence-based science communication and commitment to engaging communities in New Zealand and the Pacific.
An immunology and biomedical scientist, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples. Her research focuses on cancer, rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and infectious diseases, with a strong emphasis on equity.
“Science communication is crucial in many settings—public, research, teaching and cultural contexts,” she said. “Engaging respectfully and inclusively is essential for better health outcomes, especially for communities facing significant inequities.”
Her work on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease includes developing improved, less painful treatments and ensuring community input shapes research outcomes. She is a strong advocate for building a health and research workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
A trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu has contributed to hundreds of media stories and interviews, sharing her expertise to inform and support public understanding. Her achievements have been widely recognised, including receiving the 2022 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize and other national and international awards.
A New Zealander of Tongan descent and a member of the Wellington City Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu views her work as a way to serve others and bring hope to communities facing significant health challenges.
