Apia, Samoa – Thirteen leading Pacific researchers and innovators have been elected as new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, recognising their outstanding contributions to science, education, and leadership across the region.
Pacific Academy of Sciences Professor Lohi Matainaho says the new Fellows reflect the Academy’s mission to ensure Pacific leadership in shaping knowledge that matters to the region and internationally.
“Each new Fellow brings not only research excellence but also a deep commitment to community-grounded science.”
Three Pacific scholars from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have been named as new Fellows: Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival, Pacific Studies Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem, and co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau is a Foundation Fellow of the Academy. She travelled to Sāmoa last year for the historical launch and says it was a significant milestone to see the naming of the newly elected Fellows of the Academy one year on. She is also grateful for the leadership shown by Sir Peter Gluckman and Sir Collin Tukuitonga in establishing the Pacific Academy of Sciences for our region.
The Fellows will be formally inducted at the Academy’s inaugural Congress held 16–18 February next year in Apia, Samoa.
“This is history in the making. As an Academy, we have walked hand in hand together for the past year, pairing Pacific expertise and Pacific excellence. We are building a solid foundation for generations to come.”
Sir Collin (Niue, Aotearoa), a pioneer of Pacific public health, has been instrumental in the establishment of the Academy. He says the addition of the newly elected Fellows is testament to its growth and development.
“I’m honoured to be elected, to join the Academy and contribute our areas of expertise and knowledge. There is much work to be done across the region, having scholars expert in these issues who are of the Pacific will make a profound impact on finding solutions.”
Professor Underhill-Sem (Cook Islands, Aotearoa) is a globally recognised feminist development geographer. She’s thrilled to join the Academy and have the opportunity to work with Fellows from across the Pacific region.
“In addition to teaching and research, I also work in the Pacific civil society space with OXFAM in the Pacific, the Pacific Feminist Fund, and Toksave (Pacific gender research portal), where I contribute through critical Pacific gender analysis—examining how power operates—and governance, ensuring practices align with shared values.”
She’s eager to harness the collective expertise from Fellows with a view to grow support that’s beneficial for Pacific women, and Pacific scholars.
Newly elected Fellows
-
Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga
A pioneer of Pacific public health.
-
Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival
A transformative voice for Pacific child well-being.
-
Professor Sunia Foliaki
A public health researcher working to improve palliative care and health outcomes.
-
Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem
A globally recognised feminist development geographer.
-
Professor Ora Renagi
Vice-Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology.
-
Associate Professor Donald Wilson
A leading public health researcher.
-
Professor Bibhya Sharma
A pioneering science educator and innovator.
-
Professor Sushil Kumar
Of the University of the South Pacific; an experienced space and atmospheric physicist.
-
Dr Tearikivao (Kiki) Maoate
A paediatric surgeon and Pacific health leader.
-
Professor Kamuela Yong
An Indigenous mathematician integrating ancestral voyaging into education.
-
Professor Satupaitea Viali
A cardiologist and Vice Chancellor and President of the Oceania University of Medicine.
-
Associate Professor Kenneth Kuper
A political scientist exploring Micronesian security and sovereignty.
-
Associate Professor Eric Katovai
An ecologist and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the Solomon Islands National University.
This press release was issued by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
