El-Shadan Tautolo
El-Shadan's primary area of research expertise is the health and well-being of Pacific families and communities in New Zealand. He has demonstrated expertise (Ph.D. and Postdoctoral level) with both quantitative and qualitative research skills, including generalised estimating equations for longitudinal analysis, multivariate investigation, grounded theory, thematic analysis, and focus group interviews.
As current Director of the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study, an ongoing birth cohort study of 1398 Pacific families, El-Shadan has investigated a diverse range of health and development-related topics encompassing child and maternal health, tobacco control, mens health, and mental wellbeing, and my research is translational to clinical practice. He has led and collaborated on research projects funded through HRC, MBiE, & the National Science Challenges totalling in excess of $20 million.
In addition to his leadership within the University, El-Shadan holds significant leadership roles nationally and internationally within the Pacific health sector and the broader Pacific community. As former Chair of the NZ Health Research Council Pacific Committee, he has contributed to developing initiatives which provide funding to support the advancement of Pacific health researchers, from early career and emerging through to established levels. These capacity building opportunities have fostered a demonstrated increase in numbers engaging in Pacific research and cultivating academic research as a career option. He currently serves as Co-Chair for the 2026 PBRF Pacific Research Panel and will be tasked with helping develop the panel-specific guidelines for assessment of portfolios. This work will be vital in establishing a platform for Pacific Research excellence across the academic sector, and ensuring Pacific research and input is valued and acknowledged.
El-Shadan is extremely passionate about research which has an impact in the community – and through engagement and partnership with key government and community stakeholders, is proactive in facilitating the wider dissemination of research findings within the Pacific community and amongst key audiences and agencies.