Culturing Change: A Journey to Māori Equity in Biomedical Research

Culturing Change: A Journey to Māori Equity in Biomedical Research

Dr Georgia Carson; Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

Dr Georgia Carson (Ngāti Whakaue, Pākehā) is a postdoctoral research fellow and Tautotoro Māori engagement advisor at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. She received her cell and molecular ioscience PhD from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Her current role assists the Malaghan Institute to collaborate with Māori, the native people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), more effectively, to ensure their perspectives and needs are integrated into research initiatives. Alongside her work, Georgia volunteers advocating for science communication, fair science policy, and early career researchers.

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), like many other countries, there is an increasing recognition of the significance of equity in research. Studies have shown that equitable research improves accessibility, quality, and  impact. However, in Aotearoa, a unique aspect is the consideration of the indigenous people, Māori, in research endeavours. The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, a biomedical immunology institute located in Wellington, the capital of Aotearoa, has tasked Dr Georgia Carson to address this issue. This seminar aims to shed light on the global motivations behind the push for greater equity in science, the research cosystem in Aotearoa with respect to Māori, and Georgia’s efforts to drive cultural change at the Malaghan Institute. These efforts include up-skilling staff, fostering stronger networks in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), and assessing researchers' project proposals through a Māori lens. This seminar will contribute to the partnership between the Babraham Institute and the Malaghan Institute.

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