Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Articles and information published before this date may reference the organisation's former name.
ESR's work in genomic sequencing which highlights the criticality of working closely with indigenous communities has been highlighted this week at the Annual Conference of the American Society of Human Genetics. The conference brings the global human genetics and genomics research community together for multiple days of cutting-edge science across all areas of human genetics.
Joep de Ligt, Lead Bioinformatics & Genomics says it's really important to recognise the rich culture and history our indigenous people have around DNA.
"For many of us, it's a biological molecule, but for them it's so much more than that, it's their environment, their history and their future."
Jymal Morgan, GM Maori Impact says "it's important that the science fraternity understand that working alongside indigenous cutures and their knowledge sets is key to exploring knowledge at the highest level."