PRESS RELEASE
September 5, 2026
Secondary school students across Honiara have been inspired by a series of interactive STEM Science Showcases delivered from 24 August to 2 September 2026.
The programme was led by Associate Professor Craig Grant Peter from Aotearoa New Zealand, together with Associate Professor Greg Walker and Dr Peter Heenan, in partnership with the University of Otago and Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands, with support from the New Zealand Government.
The initiative brought mobile, hands-on science exhibitions to schools to encourage students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The four showcases—Science of Medicines (Te Mātauranga o te Rongoā), Genomes (The Science of Life), Plants and Environment—engaged students through practical demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities.
The showcases explored the origins, development and safe use of medicines, including traditional plant-based medicines, antibiotic resistance, human biology and community immunity; introduced students to genomes and the science of life; and highlighted the importance of plants, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, including their role in human wellbeing, sustainable communities and environmental protection and management.
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), through its Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), supported and engaged with the school STEM outreach initiative, recognising its importance in strengthening science education and encouraging students to pursue STEM studies and careers. SINU also sees the programme as an opportunity to strengthen links between schools, the university, international academic partners and local organisations.
The strong response from students and teachers highlighted the value of practical, experiential science learning. Schools have also expressed interest in STEM teaching resources, activity guides and opportunities to strengthen teachers’ capacity and confidence in delivering hands-on science activities.
Building on this momentum, SINU/FST plans to develop and host a STEM Expo in Honiara in 2027, working with the University of Otago, relevant local and international partners. The Expo is intended to provide a larger platform for promoting STEM education, research and innovation among schools, stakeholders and the wider public.
SINU/FST also aims to build on the relationships established through the programme by strengthening technical capacity, teaching resources, academic engagement and research collaboration.
The Science Showcases mark an important step towards strengthening STEM engagement in Solomon Islands and developing a sustained pathway that connects schools, teachers, students, universities, researchers and industry in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals.
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