𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐀𝐪𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐮, 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝟐𝟑 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is proud to announce that Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, has been appointed as a Foundation Fellow of the newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences. This prestigious appointment recognises Professor Aqorau’s significant contributions to the field of fisheries law, regional governance, and his enduring commitment to the advancement of scientific research in the Pacific region.
The official launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences took place today at the National University of Samoa during a side-event of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa. The Academy has been created to promote the study and application of natural and social sciences, humanities, indigenous knowledge, and technology, with a mission to address the challenges and opportunities of the Pacific Islands region and beyond.
Professor Aqorau’s induction as a Foundation Fellow comes as part of the Academy’s vision to build a network of distinguished scholars who will guide and lead regional collaboration on scientific research for the benefit of Pacific Island communities. This fellowship highlights Professor Aqorau’s role as a key advocate for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems with modern science to enhance policy development in the Pacific, particularly in areas related to fisheries governance, sustainability, and economic development.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Dr Naomi Mata’afa, highlighted the importance of such regional collaboration in her remarks delivered by Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio: “Today’s challenges transcend borders. They require international collaboration among scientists and experts of all disciplines to curate knowledge and scientific evidence that can inform public policy and guide our actions.”
The Academy is seen as a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of Pacific nations to address global challenges through evidence-based science and actionable knowledge. In her congratulatory statement, Professor Aqorau remarked: “It is both a humbling and exhilarating honour to be among the Foundation Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. I am committed to using this platform to strengthen the role of science, indigenous knowledge, and policy innovation in the Pacific. This will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on our young scholars and leaders across the region.”
In addition to Professor Aqorau, eleven other eminent scholars from across the Pacific region have been elected as Foundation Fellows, representing a wide range of disciplines including the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The Academy will work closely with regional institutions, international bodies, and local communities to ensure that scientific research is aligned with the unique needs and priorities of the Pacific.
As the Vice Chancellor of SINU, Professor Aqorau’s appointment as a Foundation Fellow further strengthens the University’s position as a leading centre of learning and research in the Solomon Islands and underscores its commitment to contributing to regional and global conversations on science, policy, and governance.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences is headquartered in Apia, Samoa, and will provide opportunities for emerging and established scholars in the region to collaborate on key research initiatives that can drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and inspire future generations of Pacific scientists and policymakers.
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