Overview
Background
I am a Pacific Fijian academic, researcher and community leader providing senior leadership in community‑engaged research and teaching across Australian and international higher education. My work sits at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems, health equity and public policy, driving system‑level change through culturally grounded scholarship.
I lead and shape programs that embed Indigenous methodologies, community participatory action research and social justice principles into policy‑relevant research, professional education and practice. Through long‑term, co‑designed partnerships, I advance culturally safe solutions that address the social, cultural, environmental and political determinants of health affecting Māori and Pasifika, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities nationally and internationally.
My strength‑based research program focuses on health equity and the burden of chronic conditions, with a strong emphasis on research translation, policy development and advocacy impact. My work informs health systems, service design and decision‑making at local, national and international levels, contributing to improved and more equitable health outcomes—particularly for First Nations including Māori and Pasifika and CALD communities in Australia and globally.
Availability
- Dr Heena Akbar is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), Queensland University of Technology
- Masters (Research) of Public Health, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology
Research interests
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Health and Wellbeing of Māori and Pasifika communities
We are currently working with Māori and Pasifika communities to co-design and co-develop programs and initiatives that promote holistic health and wellbeing.
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Women’s health with a particular focus on chronic condition prevention and management
We are currently piloting the Pasifika Women's Wellness Program for Maori and Pasifika women living with type 2 diabetes. This program was co-developed with the Pasifika communities in Southeast Queensland.
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Community- based participatory action research
We use Pacific Indigenous frameworks (Pacific Health Models) and methodologies and approaches embedded within emancipatory and social justice principles.
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Cultural and social determinants of health
Health inequities and cultural and social determinants of health are foundational in my teaching and research. My teaching focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Public Health and Social Determinants of Health to address health inequities. I use my research and community development experiences with First Nations communities and share these in the teaching & learning space with my students.
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Indigenous methodologies (Pacific Indigenous approaches)
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First Nations Health and Wellbeing
Research impacts
Dr Akbar's work frames Pacific knowledge systems, Pacific Health models and Indigenous methodology to develop participatory co-designed solutions with First Nations, Maori and Pacific communities to address health inequities. As a Pacific researcher, Heena works with Maori and Pacific communities in Australia and internationally to promote health and wellness as well as bringing the Pacific researchers to lead Māori and Pacific research in Australia.
Works
Search Professor Heena Akbar’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Journal Article
A nationally representative repeated cross-sectional study of 10-year substance use trends among culturally and linguistically diverse Australians
Lee, Yan Yee, Sun, Tianze, Connor, Jason P., Gartner, Coral, Lai, Germaine, Akbar, Heena and Lim, Carmen C.W. (2026). A nationally representative repeated cross-sectional study of 10-year substance use trends among culturally and linguistically diverse Australians. International Journal of Drug Policy, 150 105179, 105179-150. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105179
Featured
2026
Journal Article
CSANZ and ACRA position statement on quality use of telehealth in cardiovascular care
Cartledge, Susie, Rawstorn, Jonathan C., Bourne, Carmel, Astley, Carolyn M., Akbar, Heena, Bardsley, Kimberley, Bart, Nicole K., Driscoll, Andrea, Eddington, Rebecca, Goodman, Andrew, Hall, Tanya, Hendriks, Jeroen M., Scott, Adam C., Straiton, Nicola, Thomas, Emma, Tofi, Ulima, Candelaria, Dion, Clark, Robyn A., Davidson, Patricia M., Gallagher, Robyn, Indraratna, Praveen, Kaur, Daman J., Lattimore, Jo-Dee, Livori, Adam, Mahoney, Ray, Maiorana, Andrew J., Nesbitt, Katie, Nolan, Mark T., O'Connor, Matthew ... Inglis, Sally C. (2026). CSANZ and ACRA position statement on quality use of telehealth in cardiovascular care. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 35 (3), 298-314. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2025.12.001
2026
Journal Article
Mate ni kawa—our parents will have it, so will we! Reframing diabetes self-management for Pasifika Women in Australia: cultural realities, systemic gaps, and public health imperatives
Patton, Camille, Gallegos-Rejas, Victor M. and Akbar, Heena (2026). Mate ni kawa—our parents will have it, so will we! Reframing diabetes self-management for Pasifika Women in Australia: cultural realities, systemic gaps, and public health imperatives. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 50 (1) 100312, 1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2026.100312
Featured
2026
Journal Article
Indigenizing research via Talanoa: Vā in higher education
Pale, Maryanne, Enari, Dion, Tualaulelei, Eseta, Akbar, Heena, Faleolo, Ruth L., Ravulo, Jioji, Ohi, Sarah, Fainga’a‐Manu Sione, Inez, Fox, Levi, Seumanutafa‐Palala, Rita and Williams, Bronwyn (2026). Indigenizing research via Talanoa: Vā in higher education. Anthropology and Education Quarterly, 57 (1) e70053, 1-14. doi: 10.1111/aeq.70053
2026
Book Chapter
Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program: A community-led initiative for health and wellbeing changes in Australia
Akbar, H., Niumata, W., Hopoate, L., Akbar, R.A., Langan, V., Te Kani, W., Chow, I., McDonald, M. and McDonald, N. (2026). Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program: A community-led initiative for health and wellbeing changes in Australia. Untangling notions of Pacific wellbeing across the Trans-Tasman. (pp. 1-25) edited by C. ‘Ilaiū Talei, R. L. Faleolo, S. Manuela and D. Enari. London, United Kingdom: Springer.
2026
Journal Article
Insights from Pacific Islander and Māori community members: talanoa on medication adherence and type 2 diabetes management in Queensland
Taufatofua, Natasha, Akbar, Heena and La Caze, Adam (2026). Insights from Pacific Islander and Māori community members: talanoa on medication adherence and type 2 diabetes management in Queensland. AlterNative, 22 (1), 14-25. doi: 10.1177/11771801251383570
2026
Journal Article
Exploring the sociocultural factors of obesity among Kiribati women living in Auckland, New Zealand
Baiteke, Annie, Nosa, Vili and Akbar, Heena (2026). Exploring the sociocultural factors of obesity among Kiribati women living in Auckland, New Zealand. Kotuitui, 21 (1) e70009, 1-12. doi: 10.1002/kot2.70009
2026
Book Chapter
Digital talanoa improves Pacific women's wellness living with diabetes.
Akbar, H, Hoori, R, Niumata, W, Pio, M. A, Syme, H and Hussain, Z (2026). Digital talanoa improves Pacific women's wellness living with diabetes.. Pacific paradigms and wellbeing practices in Australia. (pp. unknown-unknown) edited by R. Faleolo, D. Enari, S. Manuela and C. ‘Ilaiū Talei. London, United Kingdom: Springer Nature.
2026
Book Chapter
Promoting holistic wellbeing of Pasifika learners in Australia through AKO in Queensland
Faleolo, R. L, Akbar, H, Boon, J, Fainga'a-Manu Sione, I, Mariner, R, Stanley, G, Faleolo, T. G, Enari, D, Faleolo, I. T. V, Faleolo, S. T. N, Faleolo, L. M. L, Faleolo, N. R, Lea'aetoa, H. A, ‘Ilaiū, J. P, Natapu-Ponton, V and Hafu-Fetokai, C (2026). Promoting holistic wellbeing of Pasifika learners in Australia through AKO in Queensland. Pacific paradigms and wellbeing practices in Australia. (pp. 1-32) edited by R. Faleolo, D. Enari, S. Manuela and C. ‘Ilaiū Talei. London, United Kingdom: Springer Nature.
2025
Conference Publication
Empowering Pasifika youth: bridging knowledge, tradition, and leadership for a flourishing future
Akbar, Heena, Hippolite, Tiana, Tupuola-Sorenson, Theresa and Faleolo, Ruth (2025). Empowering Pasifika youth: bridging knowledge, tradition, and leadership for a flourishing future. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025: Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing, Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD, Australia, 20-21 October 2025. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
2025
Conference Publication
Weaving presence—Embodied truth-telling and relational accountability in education and wellbeing [Keynote Address]
Akbar, Heena, Ryan, Kyle (Yuggera Ugarapul), Gray-Tuapawa, Tahi and Biumaiwai, Jaelyn (2025). Weaving presence—Embodied truth-telling and relational accountability in education and wellbeing [Keynote Address]. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025: Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing, Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD, Australia, 20 -21 October 2025. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
2025
Conference Publication
Mana in action: Community-driven pathways to Pasifika wellness [Keynote Panel Address: Decolonising health: Indigenous-led solutions]
Akbar, Heena (2025). Mana in action: Community-driven pathways to Pasifika wellness [Keynote Panel Address: Decolonising health: Indigenous-led solutions]. Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025: Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing, Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD, Australia, 20-21October 2025. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
2025
Conference Publication
Transforming health with digital storytelling: Lessons from Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Intervention
Akbar, H. and Niumata, W. (2025). Transforming health with digital storytelling: Lessons from Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Intervention. 2025 Preventive Health Conference, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 28-30 April 2025. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).
2025
Conference Publication
Talanoa-based diabetes management: evaluating a co-designed intervention for Māori and Pasifika women
Akbar, Heena, Gallegos-Rejas, Victor, Dettrick, Zoe, Niumata, Winnie, Anderson, Debra and Gallegos, Danielle (2025). Talanoa-based diabetes management: evaluating a co-designed intervention for Māori and Pasifika women. Preventive Health Conference 2025, Canberra, ACT Australia, 28-30 April 2025. Canberra, ACT Australia: Public Health Association of Australia.
2025
Journal Article
The experiences of Indigenous academics in the diaspora
Enari, Dion, Pale, Maryanne, Fainga’a-Manusione, Inez, Faleolo, Ruth L., Faleolo, Thom G., Stanley, Glenda, Lakisa, David, Haua, Innez, Ravulo, Jioji, Akbar, Heena, Matapo, Jacoba, Cammock, Radilaite and Ualesi, Yvonne (2025). The experiences of Indigenous academics in the diaspora. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 57 (8), 725-741. doi: 10.1080/00131857.2025.2468424
2025
Conference Publication
A Collective Response to Media and Medical Discrimination: The misleading and discriminatory comments by Kate Hawkesby, and the omission of a Māori and Pasifika voice.
Falelo, R. (Lute), Enari, D., Akbar, H., Ofe-Grant, M. B., Fox, L., Port, H., Ualesi, Y., Faleolo, T. G., Faleolo, S. T. V., Falelolo, L. M., Faloleolo, N.R. and 'llaiu, J.P. (2025). A Collective Response to Media and Medical Discrimination: The misleading and discriminatory comments by Kate Hawkesby, and the omission of a Māori and Pasifika voice.. Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) Conference 2025, Hamilton, New Zealand, 9-12 February 2025. Hamilton, New Zealand: The Pā, The University of Waikato.
2024
Conference Publication
The stories of our women: Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program
Akbar, Heena, Niumata, W., Hoori, R., Akbar, R. A., Pio, M., Syme, H. and Hussein, Z. (2024). The stories of our women: Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program. Oceania Pacific Health Association (OPHA) Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 18-19 October 2024. Gold Coast, QLD Australia: Oceania Pacific Health Association (OPHA).
2024
Other Outputs
The Stories of Our Women: Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program [Digital Stories]
Akbar, Heena, Niumata, Winnie, Hoori, Reo, Akbar, Ramiza A., Pio, Maria, Syme, Harata and Hussein, Ziya (2024). The Stories of Our Women: Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program [Digital Stories]. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Queensland University of Technology.
2024
Journal Article
Correction: Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Akbar, Heena, Contor, Madison, Niumata, Winnie, Anderson, Debra and Gallegos, Danielle (2024). Correction: Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 13 e65322, e65322. doi: 10.2196/65322
2024
Other Outputs
Perceptions of gender equity among academic and research staff of selected training and research institutions involved in primary health care development in Ethiopia
Zewdie, A., Akbar, H., Wolka, E., Hailu, L., Abdulkadir, S., Kebede, A., Azage, M., Castellanos-Reynosa, M. and Whittaker, M. (2024). Perceptions of gender equity among academic and research staff of selected training and research institutions involved in primary health care development in Ethiopia. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Heena Akbar is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Translating Evidence Into Practice: Improving Health and Health Systems for Māori, Pasifika and Priority Populations
Health and Wellbeing of Māori and Pasifika Communities
We partner closely with Māori and Pasifika communities to co-design and co-develop culturally grounded solutions that promote health equity and holistic wellbeing. HDR projects in this area may involve:
- community‑led participatory action research
- Indigenous and Pacific research methodologies
- holistic frameworks of health, identity, culture, and belonging
- evaluation of community‑driven programs or services
These projects are best suited for students who value relational, community-centred research and aspire to contribute to meaningful, culturally relevant outcomes.
Implementation Science and Translation Research for Priority Communities
We are exploring how implementation science can strengthen the uptake, scalability, and sustainability of health initiatives within Priority communities (including Māori, Pasifika, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups). HDR projects could focus on:
- applying and adapting implementation frameworks within Indigenous or Pacific contexts
- translating evidence into culturally safe and responsive practice
- measuring research impact on community health outcomes
- identifying barriers and enablers to culturally responsive service delivery
These projects aim to generate real-world impact by bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice for priority communities.
Evaluation and Health Service Research Translation
We are also interested in evaluation research and the translation of evidence into health service improvement. HDR projects may explore:
- mixed‑methods evaluations of health programs or models of care
- culturally safe evaluation frameworks for Māori, Pasifika, or Priority populations
- pathways for translating research into health service redesign
- impact assessment and continuous quality improvement within health systems
These projects suit students interested in strengthening health systems, improving service delivery, and ensuring that evidence leads to meaningful, equitable outcomes for communities.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the psychological impact of type 2 diabetes among Kiribati women living in Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards Social Justice for the Hijra Community
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Dorothee Hölscher, Associate Professor Kathy Ellem
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Doctor Philosophy
Smallholder agriculture and food and nutrition security: strategies to empower farming families in Solomon Islands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natalie Jones, Associate Professor Severine van Bommel
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploration and evaluation of Sexual and Reproductive Health service uptake for refugee and migrant women in Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Yibeltal Alemu, Associate Professor Judith Dean
Completed supervision
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2025
Master Philosophy
Teacher perspectives on school gardens in educational contexts
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Severine van Bommel
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Supporting Type 2 Diabetes Management and Medication Adherence in the Maori and Pacific Islander Community in Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Adam La Caze
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Heena Akbar directly for media enquiries about:
- Chronic Conditions prevention & management
- culturally responsive healthcare and research
- Decolonising research methods
- Food Security
- Health Equity
- Indigenising curriculum
- Pasifika Wellness Program
- Women's Wellness
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