Press Release
19 February 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is pleased to announce that Eric Katovai, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, has been formally inducted as a Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS) during the 2026 PAS Congress held in Apia, Samoa, from 16–18 February 2026.
The Fellowship recognises sustained contributions to research, education, and scientific leadership across the Pacific. Associate Professor Katovai’s work in forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, and regional science leadership has strengthened research capacity and environmental stewardship in the Solomon Islands and across the wider Blue Pacific region.
Beyond his leadership role at SINU, Associate Professor Katovai is actively engaged in several regional research and capacity-building initiatives. These include the LIFER (Livelihood in Forest Ecosystem Recovery) programme with local and international partners, and Women’s Leadership in STEM research across four Pacific Island universities. He also holds an adjunct Associate Professorship at the Queensland University of Technology, where he co-supervises two PhD students under the LIFER project. In addition, he co-supervises two PhD candidates at the University of the South Pacific and will commence supervision of Master’s by Research students at SINU this year, supporting the University’s expansion of higher degree research training.
Reflecting on the honour, Associate Professor Katovai expressed humility and dedicated the recognition to those who have supported his research journey. He noted his hope that this achievement will inspire young Pacific researchers to pursue excellence and advance Pacific-led science for the benefit of Pacific peoples.
The Solomon Islands was further represented at the Congress by two SINU researchers. Dr Lionel Kakai, Head of the School of Sciences, presented a paper titled Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Solomon Islands: Focusing on the Engineering Traditions of Artificial Islands, highlighting the sophistication and contemporary relevance of Indigenous engineering and ecological knowledge.
Mrs Dawnie Katovai, nearing completion of her PhD under the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, presented on Traditional Knowledge for Effective Forest Conservation in Fiji and Solomon Islands, emphasising the importance of Indigenous knowledge in community-based conservation and sustainable resource management.
ENDS//