Dr Sika-Paotonu, who is of Tongan heritage, is the first Pacific biomedical scientist to receive the award.
NZAS President Professor Troy Baisden says Dr Sika-Paotonu has maintained a strong record of public engagement with community groups and with students at all levels since completing her PhD at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in 2015.
“She regularly presents science to non-scientific audiences and has received local and international recognition for her research and science communication efforts.”
