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The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished experts to the Board of the Centre for Islands Future (CIF), reinforcing its mission to lead transformative research and innovation for resilient, sustainable, and self-determined Pacific Island societies.
Joining the CIF Board are:
– Dr. Tammy Tabe, Assistant Professor at the Department of Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawaiโi at Mฤnoa, and Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center.A leading Pacific anthropologist, Dr. Tabeโs research on colonial displacement, identity, and climate change-induced migration has shaped regional policies and amplified indigenous perspectives in global climate forums.
– Dr. Hugo Bugoro, Director of SINUโs Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies and a renowned Medical Entomologist.
With over 20 years of experience in vector-borne disease research, public health, and WASH initiatives, Dr. Bugoro has made significant contributions to malaria control and child health while advancing SINUโs research priorities.
-Dr. Mary Tahu Paia, Senior Lecturer in Climate Change and Biodiversity at SINU. She integrates scientific and indigenous knowledge systems to promote biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation. Her work with coastal communities in the Western Solomons has enhanced local resilience and ecosystem protection.
-Mr. Paul Roughan, a strategic advisor and independent consultant specializing in indigenous-led development and climate finance.
With over two decades of experience, Mr. Roughan has led major initiatives such as the Tina Hydro Project and has provided key policy advice on regional climate and sustainability efforts.
Each appointee brings world-class expertise, deep regional knowledge, and a strong commitment to advancing sustainable development in the Pacific. Their collective leadership is expected to enhance CIFโs role as a regional hub for innovation, research excellence, and indigenous-centered solutions.
Launched in March this year, the Centre for Islands Future challenges traditional Western academic paradigms by placing indigenous knowledge at the heart of research, governance, and sustainability. It is dedicated to advancing applied research, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation to address the complex challenges facing Pacific Island nationsโincluding climate change, ecological threats, and shifting global systems.
In his keynote address during the launch, Professor Transform Aqorau emphasized, โthe Centre for Islands Future is not just another academic unitโit is a movement. It is a space where indigenous epistemologies, traditional ecological wisdom, and modern scientific inquiry come together to create a truly decolonised and transformative learning experience.โ
The appointment of the new Board members marks a pivotal step in CIFโs journey to becoming a catalyst for transformative change across the Solomon Islands and the wider Blue Pacific region.
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