What does the future of science look like when Indigenous people lead the way? Dr. Keolu Fox, a Kānaka Maoli geneticist and assistant professor at UC San Diego, is at the cutting edge of genomics, AI, and Indigenous data sovereignty. His work challenges Western scientific norms while upholding Indigenous rights, reshaping how we understand health, ancestry, and evolution.

In this insightful kōrero, Keolu shares his journey from growing up in Hawai’i—where biodiversity and ancestral knowledge shaped his worldview—to becoming a global leader in ethical genome research. He exposes the exploitative practices of big genetic companies, who profit from Indigenous DNA while offering little in return. Instead, he advocates for data sovereignty and benefit-sharing models, where Indigenous communities control and profit from their own genetic insights.

Looking to the future, Keolu discusses AI’s role in genomics, the environmental impact of large-scale data processing, and the urgent need for Indigenous leadership in tech and science. He challenges us to rethink how we use technology: Can we create circular, sustainable systems rather than extractive ones?

Key Takeaways:

• Indigenous genomes hold powerful insights, but they’re also highly sought after by big pharma and corporations.
• The future of ethical genomics must prioritise data sovereignty, with Indigenous communities controlling their genetic data.
• AI and machine learning offer exciting opportunities, but their energy consumption and impact on the environment must be addressed.
• Indigenous knowledge systems provide blueprints for sustainable, circular tech solutions—but we need more Indigenous people in STEM to lead the change.

🔗 Want to dive deeper? Listen to the full kōrero with Dr. Keolu Fox at our new MEA nei te kōrero Spotify Channel

Let’s reclaim our data, our knowledge, and our future.

#IndigenousScience #DataSovereignty #Genomics #AI #MāoriScience #IndigenousFuturism