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As Pasifika are increasingly participating in health research, understanding how to engage positively is of great interest to researchers who intend on collaborating with Pasifika communities. The following information acts as a 'good practice' guide for genomics and other science research engagement with Pasifika communities based on the University of Otago Pacific Research Protocols and experience research members of the theme have had in research partnership with Pasifika communities.

It is vital to build an understanding of Pacific values but at the same time it should be realised that values may be practiced differently in different communities and Pacific nations.

Once you have an understanding of values the following principles of effective Pacific research can be of guidance in facilitating research in partnership with Pacific communities:

  1. Maximising benefits to humans
  2. Relationships
  3. Respect
  4. Cultural competency
  5. Meaningful engagement
  6. Reciprocity
  7. Utility
  8. Rights
  9. Balance
  10. Protection
  11. Capacity building
  12. Participation

Please refer to the University of Otago Pacific Research Protocols for more information regarding values and principles. The guide also has a handy checklist for researchers undertaking Pacific research.

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