Dr. Bwarenaba Kautu was the first person from Kiribati to earn a PhD in Science in the United States, specialising in molecular neuroscience, and the first I-Kiribati neurobiologist. He is one of only 15 scientists worldwide appointed by the United Nations to serve on the Scientific Advisory Group for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which was highlighted by the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. He has held research positions/fellowships at Harvard Medical School, the University of Cambridge, and the Broad Institute of MIT, and taught at American universities. He has supervised and mentored 14 undergraduate research students, many of whom have gone on to complete a PhD or Doctor of Medicine degrees. His current work has significant implications for Pacific Island countries. Dr. Bwarenaba Kautu also holds the Distinguished Medal of Honor (A.K.K.) awarded by the President of Kiribati.
This page was updated in October 2024.