Professor Sunia Foliaki welcomed as new Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences

As a public health physician from Ha‘afeva and Kanokupolu, Tonga, Professor Foliaki co-leads Pacific health research at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR). His expertise is in cancer epidemiology, asthma, palliative care and other non-communicable diseases.

Centre of Public Health Research Director Professor Jeroen Douwes says, “I am delighted that Professor Foliaki has been made a Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. The Fellowship is a tribute to his outstanding research and the positive impact it has on the health of Pacific people both in New Zealand and the Pacific region.

“Professor Foliaki was recently awarded a $3.6 million grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade aimed at improving access to timely health services in Tonga and a $363,000 Ministry of Health grant to strengthen palliative care in Polynesia, further demonstrating the real-world impact of his research. We are very proud at the Centre for Public Health Research to work alongside him.”

The Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS) was established in 2024, bringing together leading Pacific researchers, innovators and knowledge holders to strengthen regional research and ensure Pacific science informs global discussions.

Professor Foliaki says, “It is a great honour to be elected a Fellow of this esteemed Academy. As Pacific peoples, we must continue to build science beyond the reef – strengthening research, innovation, and collaboration across our small island nations. By aligning our scientific endeavours with global standards while remaining grounded in Pacific values and wisdom, we can ensure that the aspirations and needs of our communities are fully represented in shaping the world’s scientific future.”

Professor Foliaki joins fellow Massey academic Dean Pacific Professor Palatasa (Tasa) Havea and Institute of Education Professor Jodie Hunter, who serve as Founding Fellows and members of the PAS Governing Board.

Professor Havea says, “This recognition reflects Professor Foliaki’s outstanding contributions to improving Pacific health and advancing research that truly matters for our communities. Massey Pacific is proud to have high-calibre staff like Sunia leading the way.”

Professor Foliaki’s election to PAS highlights the growing influence of Pacific-led research on regional and global health priorities.

The Academy will formally induct its new Fellows at its inaugural Congress in Apia, Samoa in February 2026.