Apia, Samoa – Thirteen leading Pacific researchers and innovators have been elected as new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS), recognising their outstanding contributions to science, education, and leadership across the region.

This marks a significant milestone for Pacific excellence in the region and comes as the Pacific Academy celebrates their one-year anniversary.

Founded in 2024, the Academy brings together Pacific scholars and knowledge holders to strengthen regional research capacity and ensure Pacific science informs global conversations.

The new Fellows represent diverse disciplines and island nations — from medicine and ecology to mathematics, political science, and gender studies. Among them are leading academics such as:

• Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga (Niue/New Zealand), a pioneer of Pacific public health;

  
  

• Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival (Samoa/New Zealand), a transformative voice for Pacific child wellbeing;

  
  

• Professor Sunia Foliaki (Tonga/New Zealand), a public health researcher working to improve palliative care and health outcomes;

  
  

• Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem (Cook Islands/New Zealand), a globally recognised feminist development geographer;

  
  

• Professor Ora Renagi (Papua New Guinea), Vice-Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology;

  
  

• Associate Professor Donald Wilson (Fiji), a leading public health researcher;

  
  

• Professor Bibhya Sharma (Fiji), a pioneering science educator and innovator;

  
  

• Professor Sushil Kumar of the University of the South Pacific and experienced space and atmospheric physicist;

  
  

• Dr Tearikivao (Kiki) Maoate (Cook Islands/New Zealand), a paediatric surgeon and Pacific health leader;

  
  

• Professor Kamuela Yong (Hawai’i), an Indigenous mathematician integrating ancestral voyaging into education;

  
  

• Professor Satupaitea Viali (Samoa), a cardiologist and Vice Chancellor and President of the Oceania University of Medicine;

  
  

• Associate Professor Kenneth Kuper (Guam), a political scientist exploring Micronesian security and sovereignty; and

  
  

• Associate Professor Eric Katovai (Solomon Islands), an ecologist and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the Solomon Islands National University.

Speaking of his election, Associate Professor Eric Katovai said this was both “a recognition of scholarly contribution and a responsibility to serve the region through scientific leadership and mentorship.”

“To me, becoming a Fellow means being part of a collective that values scientific excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in addressing Pacific challenges,” Associate Professor Katovai said.

“The Academy has the potential to redefine the region’s scientific landscape by amplifying Pacific research, innovation, and knowledge sovereignty. Its impact lies in elevating our visibility globally and nurturing the next generation of Pacific scientists.”

The Fellows’ collective expertise spans health, education, environment, and governance — fields critical to Pacific resilience and sustainable development.

“Each new Fellow brings not only research excellence but also a deep commitment to community-grounded science,” said Professor Lohi Matainaho, PAS President.

“Their election reflects the Academy’s mission to ensure Pacific leadership in shaping knowledge that matters to our islands and to the world.”

Full profiles of all Fellows are available on the PAS website.

The Academy Fellows will be formally inducted at the Academy’s inaugural Congress held from 16-18 February 2026 in Apia, Samoa.

Media contact:
Natalie Solomona
natalie@pacificsci.org

+685 767 1471