Fijian Neuroscientist Dr Suhailah Ali Champions Climate Justice and Mental Wellbeing for the Pacific

On Tuesday 16 June 2026, Indo-Fijian neuroscientist Dr Suhailah Ali shared her transition from the laboratory to the frontlines of climate justice during an interview on ABC Radio Australia’s ‘Stories From the Pacific’. Speaking with host Wendy Mocke, Dr Ali highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental health and the mental wellbeing of Indigenous communities across the Pacific. Dr Ali, who grew up in Suva in a multicultural household, described a vibrant childhood shaped by the diverse traditions of her Muslim father and Hindu mother. This foundation of diversity fueled a curiosity about the human brain, leading to a distinguished career in neuroscience. However, Dr Ali told ABC that understanding the mind is no longer enough when the physical environment of the Pacific is under threat. Now working as a climate justice advocate with organisations such as Jubilee Australia, Dr Ali is focused on holding large corporations accountable for their impact on the environment. She argues that climate change is not merely an external disruption to the land, but a crisis that takes a significant toll on the spirits and mental health of Pacific people. Protecting the region, she suggests, requires a holistic approach that prioritises caring for one another’s wellbeing alongside the physical preservation of the shores. During the broadcast, Dr Ali reflected on her roots, recalling the sensory memories of her parents cooking traditional Indian dishes like crab curry and dal in Fiji. She credits her upbringing in a diverse environment and her education at the international school in Suva for her broad perspective on global and local issues. By linking her scientific background with environmental activism, Dr Ali aims to safeguard the future of the Pacific for the next generation.