Dr Willy-John Martin is a visionary leader working at the intersection of science, government, and te ao Māori. As the Inaugural Director of Māori Science, Innovation, and Technology at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), he holds a pivotal role on the MBIE Science Leadership Team, which oversees more than $1 billion in annual science system policy and investments.

In his role, Willy-John has championed the integration of Vision Mātauranga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into Aotearoa’s science system. His leadership during the Te Ara Paerangi national consultation gathered aspirations from Māori across the country, advancing mātauranga Māori in science, innovation, and policy.

Willy-John spearheaded MBIE’s first statement on Te Tiriti and the research sector and launched $12 million in new annual programmes to support Māori research, science, and innovation. These achievements have earned him prestigious accolades, including the MBIE Spirit of Service Award and the Pae Kahurangi/Building Our Future Award in 2023.

Dr Martin’s academic foundation lies in biomedical science, with a PhD from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. His research focuses on addressing health disparities for Māori and Indigenous peoples. In 2020, he received the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Mātanga Ora Award in recognition of his dedication to Māori health. His research has explored immune conditions and treatments for ailments such as gouty arthritis and acute rheumatic fever. His work has spanned esteemed institutions, including the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Aotearoa and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, Australia.

At WEHI, Dr Martin led the institute’s first-ever Indigenous health research project, advancing new treatments and diagnostics for acute rheumatic fever—a condition disproportionately affecting Pacific tamariki and rangatahi. He also played a critical role in establishing WEHI’s first Indigenous Reconciliation Committee, embedding cultural practices and advancing equity in health research.

Dr. Martin’s contributions extend to investigating the biological properties of rongoā Tūhoe for treating inflammatory arthritis and elucidating molecular mechanisms underpinning gouty arthritis. As the first Māori PhD graduate at the Malaghan Institute, his groundbreaking work has paved the way for future Māori scientists.

Willy-John’s leadership extends into advisory and governance roles across multiple sectors. He has served as Manager for Vision Mātauranga and Capacity Development at the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge and as a founding co-chair of Rauika Māngai, a collective of senior Māori science leaders. He actively contributes to advisory groups such as Te Urungi at the Malaghan Institute and Māori governance groups for various research programs, including the trans-Tasman START study.

His expertise has also been sought as a panel member for prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes. A dedicated mentor, Dr Martin has supported the development of pathways for Māori talent in science and government, fostering future leaders and creating collaborations that reflect Māori values and aspirations. In 2020, he received Te Mātanga Ora Award from his iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Beyond his scientific brilliance, Dr. Martin is a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and well-being. A skilled salsa dancer and a fledgling flamenco enthusiast, he has inspired many Māori to embrace Latin dance through his time as a salsa teacher in Wellington. He is also a connoisseur of Indigenous foods, particularly chocolate, and a devoted vegetarian foodie.

As mātāmua (eldest sibling) to eight brothers and five sisters, and uncle to many nieces and nephews, Willy-John describes his kaupapa as “doing science that prioritises Māori health.” His blend of academic excellence, leadership, and cultural grounding positions him as a leading figure driving transformative change in Aotearoa and beyond.

Links:

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research – Dr Willy-John Martin

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research- Alumni Series – Dr Willy-John Martin