Massey attendees at the AEA conference.
Hosted by the AEA Moana Pasifika Chapter, the conference brought together researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across Australasia and the Pacific to explore the theme: One Ocean, One Health: Epidemiology for a Healthier Tomorrow, the Pacific and Beyond.
Professor Sunia Foliaki from Massey's Centre for Public Health Research was one of the conference convenors, helping to lead the event alongside fellow members of the organising committee. During the conference, Professor Foliaki was also recognised for his significant contributions to the field by being named an AEA Fellow.
Massey was strongly represented within the conference organising committee, with Professor Foliaki joined by Dr Sharan Ram and Associate Professor Linda Murray, the outgoing AEA President (New Zealand).
The university's commitment to strengthening health research and workforce capability across the Pacific was further demonstrated through support from Massey Global, which sponsored the conference and provided travel bursaries for a number of emerging researchers and students.
Recipients included Dr Monica Garrett, Penina Hitti, Dr Gavin Faeamani, veterinary science students Jamesford Keboy and Masood Sujau and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Grace Chen, enabling them to attend the conference and engage with leading researchers from across the region.
Ahead of the conference, a series of workshops were held at Fiji National University to support skill development and knowledge sharing. Among these was a workshop delivered by Massey epidemiologist Associate Professor Amanda Eng, which focused on building epidemiological capability throughout the Pacific.
Professor Foliaki says the event highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in addressing shared health challenges.
“This conference is a particularly significant occasion, as it marks the first time the AEA Annual Scientific Meeting has been held in the Pacific, outside Australia or New Zealand.
“However, this represents much more than a change of venue; it symbolises a meaningful movement towards the Pacific and a commitment to recognising and embracing the region's contribution to epidemiology. More importantly, it reflects a willingness to listen to Pacific voices, learn alongside Pacific peoples, and work in genuine partnership with Pacific institutions and communities to strengthen epidemiology and improve health outcomes across our region.”
The conference highlighted Massey's strong contribution to epidemiology across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, while strengthening the partnerships and knowledge-sharing needed to address emerging public health challenges and support healthier communities across the region.
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