Chris Puli'uvea
2024: Dr Chris Puli’uvea of Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology will research genetic variants that affect the immune system and are unique to Māori and Pacific peoples
International clinical trials and genomic studies lack representation of Māori and Pacific peoples. This means that advancements in precision medicine may not benefit these groups. We know less about how genetics affect diseases for Māori and Pacific peoples compared to other ethnic groups, especially for immunology studies. Dr Puli’uvea hypothesises that Māori and Pacific-specific genetic variants play an important role in immune system function and variation. Dr Puli’uvea will engage with Māori and Pacific communities to develop culturally sensitive approaches to studying how genetic variation relates to immunological differences, which will address this important knowledge gap.
Dr Chris Puli'uvea (Photo: Tim Hamilton/Vision Works Photography)