A Seventh-day Adventist from New Zealand has made history as the first Pacific scientist to receive the Royal Society Te Apārangi Callaghan Medal for science communication. 

The Callaghan Medal is awarded annually to an individual who has made a notable impact on communicating science and/or technology while in New Zealand, particularly in enhancing public awareness of the significance of science and/or technology for human development.

Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu from the University of Otago was honored for her evidence-based science communication and commitment to engaging communities in New Zealand and the Pacific.

An immunology and biomedical scientist, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples. Her research focuses on cancer, rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and infectious diseases, with a strong emphasis on equity.

“Science communication is crucial in many settings—public, research, teaching, and cultural contexts,” she said. “Engaging respectfully and inclusively is essential for better health outcomes, especially for communities facing significant inequities.”

Her work on rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease includes developing improved, less painful treatments and ensuring community input shapes research outcomes. She strongly advocates for building a health and research workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

A trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu has contributed to hundreds of media stories and interviews, sharing her expertise to inform and support public understanding. Her achievements have been widely recognized, including receiving the 2022 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize and other national and international awards.

A New Zealander of Tongan descent and a Wellington City Community Seventh-day Adventist Church member, Associate Professor Sika-Paotonu views her work as a way to serve others and bring hope to communities facing significant health challenges.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.