Ensuring Māori and Pacific peoples are included in the genomic revolution
Health leaders, researchers, clinicians and community advocates from across the Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States are gathering in Apia for an inaugural symposium focused on advancing precision medicine for Māori and Pacific peoples.
The Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium, Fonotaga Fa’asaenisi mo Togafitiga Talafeagai mo Tagata Polenisia (Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium), is being held from 29 to 31 July 2026 in Samoa.
Around 110 invited participants are attending the three-day event to explore how emerging advances in genomics and precision medicine can be developed in ways that are equitable, culturally grounded and responsive to Indigenous communities.
The symposium is co-convened by Dr Natalie Netzler of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland; Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali of Oceania University of Medicine; Professor Peter Shepherd of the University of Auckland; and Mrs Carmel Sang.
It is believed to be the first symposium of its kind dedicated entirely to advancing Māori and Pacific health through precision medicine.
Dr Netzler said the symposium comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide increasingly adopt personalised approaches to diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention.
“Precision medicine has the potential to transform healthcare by ensuring people receive the right medicine, at the right dose and at the right time,” Dr Netzler said.
“However, Indigenous peoples, including Māori and Pacific communities, have historically been excluded from genetics and genomics research. As precision medicine becomes embedded in healthcare, there is a real risk that existing health inequities could widen if our populations continue to be left out.”
The symposium is examining both the opportunities and challenges associated with precision medicine, including Indigenous data sovereignty, ethical governance, community engagement, participant protection, data storage and the sharing of research findings with communities.
“We know that increasing Indigenous participation in research is important, but it must be done in ways that uphold community values, aspirations and rights,” Dr Netzler said.
“Questions around who controls data, how it is stored, who has access to it and how benefits are shared are critically important. Precision medicine cannot succeed for Indigenous communities without Indigenous leadership and governance.”
The event has received significant support from the Maurice Wilkins Centre, enabling participants from Samoa to attend free of charge and helping to ensure strong local engagement.
“The generosity of the Maurice Wilkins Centre has allowed us to remove financial barriers for local attendees,” Dr Netzler said.
“We want these conversations to be shaped by the communities most affected by the outcomes.”
The symposium was officially opened by Samoa’s Minister of Health, Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
Over three days, attendees are participating in expert panels, presentations and collaborative discussions focused on translating precision medicine research into clinical practice while safeguarding Indigenous knowledge and interests.
Professor Peter Shepherd said the symposium reflects a growing commitment among researchers to ensure scientific advances deliver benefits for everyone.
“Precision medicine is advancing rapidly across the world, but unless we actively address inequities in research participation, many Indigenous populations will miss out on these developments,” Professor Shepherd said.
“This symposium provides an important opportunity for researchers, clinicians and communities to work together to create models that are effective, ethical and equitable.”
Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali said hosting the event in Samoa is especially significant.
“Pacific peoples must be active participants in shaping the future of healthcare research rather than simply being recipients of decisions made elsewhere,” Asiata Professor Viali said.
“Training more Pacific scientists in the Pacific and New Zealand will help ensure that the benefits of precision medicine extend to Pacific communities across the region and in Aotearoa.
“Bringing together leaders from across the region allows us to share perspectives, build relationships and develop approaches that genuinely reflect Pacific priorities and values.”
Organisers hope the symposium will establish strong foundations for ongoing collaboration across the region and help ensure Māori and Pacific communities are not left behind as precision medicine becomes an increasingly important part of healthcare systems worldwide.
“This symposium is ultimately about creating a future where Māori and Pacific peoples can benefit from scientific advances in ways that are safe, equitable and culturally appropriate,” Dr Netzler said.
“By bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and communities, we can begin building that future together.”
Event: Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium
Date: 29–31 July 2026
Location: Apia, Samoa
Convenors: Dr Natalie Netzler, Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali, Professor Peter Shepherd and Mrs Carmel Sang
Attendance: Approximately 110 invited participants from Samoa, Pukapuka, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States
