The Pacific Academy of Sciences has elected 10 new Fellows, bringing together the region’s depth of experience and its commitment to putting knowledge and evidence at the service of Pacific communities.
The 2026–27 cohort includes the Regional Director of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, the Director General of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Co-Chair of the Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN), alongside Indigenous scholars, health experts, educators and cultural leaders.
“This cohort reflects what makes Pacific science distinctive. To tackle the challenges our region faces, we need the collective knowledge of experts across disciplines, industries and experiences,” Professor Teatulohi (Lohi) Matainaho FPAS, President of the Pacific Academy, said.
“This is also an opportunity to celebrate Pacific excellence. These Fellows join academics and knowledge holders who have dedicated their careers to protecting and uplifting our communities. My warmest congratulations to them all. I look forward to working together to advance the Academy’s objectives,” he said.
Fellows on science, culture, and policy
Dr Paula Vivili, Director General of SPC, worked for the Tongan Ministry of Health for almost 20 years before joining the organisation. SPC is the largest intergovernmental organisation in the Pacific focused on science and technology for development and is owned by its 27 member countries and territories.
“It is an absolute honour to become a Fellow and while this is the result of contributions of many people, peer recognition is special and always a privilege and honour,” Dr Vivili said.
“At a time when we are seeing the value of science being questioned, it is important to keep doing all we can to ensure that the decisions of our leaders, whether at country or organisational are science and evidence based. I look forward to working closer with other Fellows to strengthen the Science evidence and its translation to policy and practice,” he said.
Dr Naomi Faik-Simet leads two international research projects at the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies on the country’s Indigenous dance forms and cultural knowledge. Her research examines Indigenous dance as pedagogical knowledge embedded in Papua New Guinea’s diverse and complex communities. She hopes the Fellowship will increase regional partnership with Pacific Island countries to strengthen research capacity, data sovereignty and publications on cultural identity and education.
“The Pacific Academy of Sciences can make an impact through international and cross-cutting research that promotes regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and implementation of shared policies. By addressing global issues such as climate change, digital technology and indigenous data sovereignty, displaced communities, and access to better education and health care,” Dr Faik-Simet said.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences congratulates and welcomes the new cohort of Fellows. The Academy also thanks the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific for providing the fundamental financial support to ensure the Academy maintains its core activities and functions.
2026 Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellows
Reverend Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai. Pacific Communities University, Vice-Chancellor (Manu Folau). Ancestry: Samoa., Based in Fiji and Samoa.
Dr Frances Koya Vaka’uta. The Pacific Community (SPC), Team Leader Culture for Development. Ancestry: Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu. Based in: Fiji
Professor El-Shadan Tautolo. Auckland University of Technology, Professor Public Health | Associate Dean Pacific Advancement, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences. Ancestry: Cook Islands, Samoa. Based in: New Zealand
Dr Paula Vivili. The Pacific Community (SPC), Director General. Ancestry: Tonga. Based in: New Caledonia, Tonga
Prof Fa’afetai Sopoaga. University of Otago, Director, Va’a o Tautai - Centre for Pacific Health. Ancestry: Samoa. Based in: New Zealand, Samoa
Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala. World Health Organization, Regional Director at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Ancestry: Tonga. Based in: Philippines, Tonga
Prof Md. Golam Mostafa Khan. The University of the South Pacific, Professor of Statistics. Ancestry: Other. Based in: Fiji
Prof Anne Perez Hattori. University of Guam, Emeritus Professor. Ancestry: Guahan (Guam). Based in: Guam
Dr Naomi Faik-Simet. Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies, Acting Director – Dance. Ancestry: Papua New Guinea. Based in: Papua New Guinea
Prof Catherine Ris. University of New Caledonia, President & Vice Chancellor. Ancestry: Other. Based in: New Caledonia
About the Pacific Academy of Sciences
The Pacific Academy of Sciences represents a historic milestone in regional scholarly collaboration. Established in 2023, we unite distinguished researchers, indigenous knowledge holders, and emerging scholars from across the Pacific region to address our most pressing challenges through evidence-based research and collective wisdom.
Our Academy serves as the definitive platform for Pacific Island scholars to support local and regional scientific practice, increase the visibility and influence of Pacific Sciences and scholarship, and amplify Pacific indigenous voices in global spaces.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences is supported by the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, and Resources.