![Dianne Sika-Paotonu](https://www.tepunahamatatini.ac.nz/files/2023/03/dianne-sika-paotonu.jpg)
Dianne Sika-Paotonu
Principal Investigator
Dianne Sika-Paotonu is an Associate Professor in Biomedical and Health Sciences (Immunology) and Associate Dean (Pacific), in the Dean’s Department, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago.
Dianne is an award winning scientist who is currently leading research in drug design for rheumatic fever prevention, heart health equity and infectious diseases, and early cancer detection for vulnerable communities.
Dianne collaborates, engages and works closely with communities, and with researchers from other disciplines, clinicians, Pacific and Māori colleagues, with a focus and emphasis on research work that has impact is inclusive, respectful, helpful and meaningful for communities.