Thirteen new fellows for Pacific Academy of Sciences
13 November 2025
Pacific scholars from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland are among 13 newly elected fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.
Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival and Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem have been chosen to become fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.
The trio from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland will be formally inducted at the academy’s inaugural congress in February next year in Apia, Samoa.
The academy is recognising their outstanding contributions to science, education, and leadership across the region.
Academy president Professor Teatulohi Matainaho says the newly elected fellows reflect the academy’s mission to ensure Pacific leadership in shaping knowledge that matters to the region and internationally.
“Each new fellow brings not only research excellence but also a deep commitment to community-grounded science.”
Foundation Fellow
University of Auckland Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, a foundation fellow of the academy, travelled to Sāmoa last year for the historical launch.
She says it is a significant milestone to see the new fellows named, a year after the academy launched.
She is also grateful for the leadership shown by Sir Peter Gluckman and Sir Collin in establishing the academy for our region.
“This is history in the making. As an academy, we have walked hand in hand together for the past year, pairing Pacific expertise and Pacific excellence. We are building a solid foundation for generations to come," says Tiatia-Siau.
Pioneer of public health
Sir Collin (Niue, Aotearoa), a pioneer of Pacific public health, has been instrumental in the establishment of the academy.
He says the addition of the newly elected fellows is testament to its growth and development.
“I’m honoured to be elected, to join the academy and contribute our areas of expertise and knowledge.
"There is much work to be done across the region, having scholars’ expert in these issues who are of the Pacific will make a profound impact on finding solutions.”
Transformative voice for Pacific children's well-being
Dame Teuila says it was important to have an Academy of Sciences that was, “for Pacific, by Pacific, in the Pacific and led by Pacific, finding our solutions and telling our stories but critically setting the strategy and direction".
She says one of her great research heroes is the great late Professor Sitaleki Finau.
“He always spoke of the importance of us doing and leading our own research, holding our own data, and the need to address research imperialism. The Pacific Academy of Sciences does just that.”
Globally recognised feminist development geographer
Professor Underhill-Sem (Cook Islands, Aotearoa) is a globally recognised feminist development geographer.
She’s thrilled to join the Academy and have the opportunity to work with fellows from across the Pacific region.
“In addition to teaching and research, I also work with OXFAM in the Pacific, the Pacific Feminist Fund, and Toksave (Pacific gender research portal), where I contribute through critical Pacific gender analysis—examining how power operates—and governance, ensuring practices align with shared values.”
She’s eager to harness the collective expertise of fellows with a view to growing support for Pacific women and Pacific scholars.
The new fellows represent diverse disciplines and island nations — from medicine and ecology to mathematics, political science, and gender studies.
Newly elected Pacific Academy of Sciences Fellows:
Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga (Niue, Aotearoa), a pioneer of Pacific public health.
Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival (Sāmoa, Aotearoa), a transformative voice for Pacific children's well-being.
Professor Sunia Foliaki (Tonga, Aotearoa), a public health researcher working to improve palliative care and health outcomes.
Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem (Cook Islands, Aotearoa), 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, an experienced space and atmospheric physicist.
Dr Tearikivao (Kiki) Maoate (Cook Islands, Aotearoa), a paediatric surgeon and Pacific health leader.
Professor Kamuela Yong (Hawai’i), an Indigenous mathematician integrating ancestral voyaging into education.
Professor Satupaitea Viali (Sāmoa), a cardiologist and Vice Chancellor and President of Oceania University of Medicine.
Associate Professor Kenneth Kuper (Guam), a political scientist exploring Micronesian security and sovereignty.
Associate Professor Eric Katovai (Solomon Islands), an ecologist and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Solomon Islands National University.