𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐇 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today successfully hosted the 2025 Family Farming, Lifestyle and Health (FALAH) Research Seminar.

The event featured eight presenters from SINU who shared their research on FALAH with attendees during the half-day seminar.

Speaking to officially open the event, Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Dr.Eric Katovai highlighted the crucial role that research plays in shaping the future of Solomon Islands.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this Research Seminar Series. As the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the overall supervisor of the Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), I am honoured to open this event and emphasize the crucial role that research plays in shaping the future of our nation.”

“In the Solomon Islands, where we face both challenges and opportunities unique to our context, research is not just an academic exercise—it is a driving force for development.”

“Through research, we can generate knowledge that informs policies, strengthens industries, and addresses the pressing social, economic, and environmental issues that impact our people.”

“Whether it is improving healthcare, advancing agriculture, enhancing education, or tackling climate change, research must be at the forefront of our national development agenda.”

Dr Eric Katovai further stated, “at SINU, we have a responsibility to grow and nurture a vibrant research culture—one that is not confined to our academic staff but extends to our students and ripples out to the wider community. A strong research culture fosters innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, qualities that are essential for nation-building.Our university must be a hub where ideas are explored, tested, and translated into real-world solutions that benefit our people.”

“I encourage all of you—faculty, students, and researchers—to take full advantage of this seminar presentation.Engage in discussions, challenge perspectives, and collaborate with one another.”

“Let us use this platform to strengthen our research endeavours and reaffirm our commitment to knowledge creation that drives sustainable development in the Solomon Islands.”

“With that, I warmly welcome you all and look forward to an insightful and productive seminar series.”

The seminar featured eight research presentations from SINU academics, covering diverse topics related to family farming, lifestyle, and health:

1. Dr. Hugo Bugoro – The role of traditional food preservation methods in strengthening food security and health resilience of small island communities in the Solomon Islands.

2. Dr. Vaeno Vigulu – Root architecture of teak and flueggea in mixed species systems in the Solomon Islands.

3. Mr. Alex Makini – Building health and resilience: Improving food security and reducing non-communicable diseases through urban agriculture in Honiara.

4. Dr. Lindon Havimana – White-tailed crescent (Variola albimarginata): A preliminary study on size at sexual maturity, seasonal gonadal variation, and growth.

5. Dr. Mary Tahu – Gender, climate change, and indigenous ecological knowledge in the Solomon Islands mangroves.

6. Mr. Patrick Miniti – Positive impact of teaching physical education and physical activities using locally available equipment and indigenous games in the Solomon Islands.

7. Mrs. Marineth Magi – Personal factors affecting adherence in hypertensive patients in the Solomon Islands.

8. Mr. Danny Shadrech – The influence of ENSO on the rise of equatorial waters in the Pacific and its impact on fishing.

The event was attended by SINU staff, students, stakeholders, and members of the local media.

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