In Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika only make up 2.5% of staff positions in science institutions. Te Aue Addison-Valaau through her organisation Plant & Food, is leading the launch of a new annual Māori and Pasifika internship programme for 25 young scientists and business scholars to impact the future of New Zealand’s science system.

Dr. Afa Palu shares some highlights of his educational and scientific work: his leading research on Pacific Islander U.S. high school dropouts, the creation of an education radio talk show and his extensive research on the health benefits of the noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), a plant native to the Pacific and elsewhere. He hopes to see more Pacific Islander students embracing the academic challenge of pursuing college and recognizing the multitude of pathways to higher education.