Centre for Applied Intelligence & Ethics
While Marist International College retains a strong focus on teaching, our faculty is actively engaged in niche research areas that reflect the unique demographics and challenges of the Oceania region. We believe that research should not be locked in ivory towers; it must serve the community.
Current Research Vectors:
- Algorithmic Sovereignty: Led by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, this team is investigating how Global North AI datasets introduce bias against Māori and Pasifika populations. The research aims to develop “Cultural Correction Layers” for machine learning models used in public service algorithms.
- Sustainable Urbanism in Seismic Zones: A cross-disciplinary project between our Design and Physics departments, analysing how high-density housing in Wellington can be optimised for both earthquake resilience and mental well-being.
- The Gig Economy in New Zealand: Our Commerce faculty is conducting a longitudinal study on the impact of remote working platforms on the tax revenue and social security stability of New Zealand’s freelance workforce.
Student Research Initiatives
We do not believe research is the exclusive domain of postgraduates. The “Marist Summer Research Scholarship” is a competitive programme open to high-achieving undergraduates. Selected students spend 10 weeks over the summer break working as junior research assistants alongside senior professors. This apprenticeship model has resulted in several undergraduate students being listed as co-authors in peer-reviewed journals—a distinction that sets them apart when applying for competitive postgraduate positions globally.