Professor Teatulohi Matainaho Photo: Supplied
A world leading pharmacologist from Papua New Guinea has been elected the first president of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.
Professor Teatulohi Matainaho has been involved in researching traditional medicine and in drug discovery for diseases, such as malaria, cancer, HIV, and Tuberculosis.
The Academy was launched during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa two weeks ago.
It aims to foster scientific collaboration and innovation in the Pacific and promote the study and application of natural and social sciences, the humanities, indigenous knowledge and technology.
Professor Matainaho, who is the vice-chancellor of the Pacific Adventist University near Port Moresby, was appointed the inaugural president from among 12 foundation fellows, all eminent Pacific scholars.
"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," the Australian Academy of Science president, Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish, said.
"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 New Zealand's Royal Society Te Apārangi said.
"I cannot think of a better advocate and voice for Pacific science," International Science Council president and honorary fellow of the Academy, New Zealander, Sir Peter Gluckman, said.
"I congratulate the Academy on this outstanding appointment and Lohi on his thoroughly deserved honour," he said.