October 23rd, 2024 marked the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, at the National University of Samoa, in Apia, as an official side-event from the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences promotes the study and application of the natural and social sciences, the humanities, indigenous knowledge, and technology for the benefit of the Pacific Islands region and beyond. The Academy will also support young Pacific scholars and scientists in their professional development, offering them mentorships and collaborative work with their peers at the regional scale.
Twelve eminent Pacific Scholars has been elected as Foundation Fellows, to lead the Academy in delivering its mission. Among them, researchers from PIURN Member Universities have been distinguished :
- Professor Teatulohi Matainaho, Vice-Chancellor, Pacific Adventist University, was nominated President of the Pacific Academy of Sciences
- Professor Patila Amosa, Vice-Chancellor and President, National University of Samoa
- Dr Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor, Solomon Islands National University
- Professor Maretta Kula-Semos, Director of Higher Degrees, Divine Word University
- Professor Macquin Maino, Head of School of Agriculture, Papua New Guinea University of Technology
- Professor Ioana Tuugalei Chan Mow, Computing Education, National University of Samoa
- Professor Jito Vanualailai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Education), The University of the South Pacific
The Pacific Academy of Sciences was implemented with the support of the Establishment Committee, that was appointed in Apia, in October 2023. The Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN) Coordinator was designated as an Observer Member to the committee.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences will carry the voices of the Pacific Islands and contribute to harnessing the knowledge of the Pacific.
The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences was facilitated by the National University of Samoa and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science with the support of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Sasakawa Peace Foundation.