PNG pharmacologist elected first President of the Pacific Academy of Sciences

Officially launched by Prime Minister of Samoa Hon. Fiame Dr Naomi Mata’afa in an address delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa on 23 October, the Academy aims to foster scientific collaboration and innovation in the Pacific Islands region and promote the study and application of natural and social sciences, the humanities, Indigenous knowledge and technology.

The Vice Chancellor of the Pacific Adventist University, Professor Matainaho, has been appointed the inaugural President of the Pacific Academy of Sciences from among 12 Foundation Fellows, all eminent Pacific Islands scholars, who will play a pivotal role in leading the Academy to achieve its goals. 

President of Academies of Science around the world have welcomed the election of Professor Matainaho to lead the Pacific Academy forward.  

"I congratulate Professor Matainaho on his election as inaugural President of the Pacific Academy of Sciences,” President of the Australian Academy of Science, Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish said. “He is not only a globally respected researcher, he is passionate about the powerful role science, traditional knowledge and empowering young scientists have to play in making the lives of Pacific Islands communities and indeed the world a better place.”

"Lohi is an incredible mentor who is nurturing the next generation of scientists the Pacific and the world need,” Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding, President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi said. 

"I cannot think of a better advocate and voice for Pacific science,” President of the International science Council and Honorary Fellow of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, Sir Peter Gluckman said. “I congratulate the Academy on this outstanding appointment and Lohi on his thoroughly deserved honour."

Professor Matainaho, who has been the Co-chair of the Establishment Committee for the Academy for the last 12 months since Pacific scholars made a unanimous vote to endorse it in October 2023, said he was honoured by the opportunity to lead the Academy.

“I am honoured to be appointed as the first president of the Pacific Academy of Sciences,” Professor Matainaho said. “I am committed to working with the Foundation Fellows and the wider scientific community to build a vibrant and impactful institution that will benefit the Pacific region and beyond.”

“The Pacific Academy of Sciences will convene our knowledge and local expertise and will support our young people with their career development in the Pacific for the Pacific by providing mentors and building collegiality with peers regionally and globally,” Professor Matainaho said. “The Pacific Academy of Sciences offers exciting possibilities to connect scholars from across the globe who share a common goal, that is: addressing global challenges through evidence-based science and actionable knowledge.”

A renowned scholar and expert in his field, Professor Matainaho brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG 1983) and a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Queensland (1993). Formerly professor of basic medical sciences and pharmacology and Dean of Research at UPNG, he has served as Chairman of the Papua New Guina (PNG) Science and Technology Council and Chief Science Advisor to the Government of PNG. Prof. Matainaho undertook research at Queensland Institute of Medical Research, the US National Cancer Institute and the University of Utah, US.

One of twin boys born in PNG at a time when twins were taboo, his contributions to society could so easily have been lost at the time of his birth when the country was steeped in spirit worship and pagan customs.       

“My mother’s joy soon turned to unbelievable sadness as a family feud erupted over what to do with the unexpected twin boys,” Professor Matainaho explained of the story he was told after his mother’s death. “So, a forceful decision that the healthy twin boys must be killed and buried was made. Holes were dug. But by divine intervention, an uncle with medical training and my maternal grandfather saved us. My grandfather was paramount chief and claimed us as his own, giving us names meaning we were placed under his protection.”

Both brothers have gone on to complete PhDs, Lohi in pharmacology and his twin brother in engineering. 

The Pacific Academy has been established as a charitable Trust to be based in Apia in Samoa.

The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences has been facilitated by the National University of Samoa and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific led by the Australian Academy of Science with the support of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

More information is available here.