(Media Release) Samoa is strengthening its scientific capacity to better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change through a new partnership between the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and the Pacific Community (SPC).
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in early September 2026, establishing a long-term framework for scientific collaboration in Samoa and across the Pacific.
The agreement will support joint research, strengthen scientific and technical capabilities, facilitate knowledge exchange and address emerging research priorities.
A key focus will be improving methodologies for assessing climate-related loss and damage, helping to build stronger evidence on how climate change is affecting Pacific economies, environments and communities.
The partnership will also cover climate data collection and analysis, environmental monitoring, laboratory capability, agriculture, ecosystems and local resources.
SROS Chief Executive Officer Dr Fiame Leo said strengthening national scientific capability was essential for Pacific countries facing increasingly complex climate challenges.
“Climate change presents increasingly complex challenges that require evidence generated through Pacific science and Pacific expertise,” she said.
Dr Fiame said the collaboration would help build Samoa’s research capability, create opportunities to work with regional partners and develop the expertise needed to generate evidence for national decision-making.
SPC Deputy Director-General Science and Capability Dr Andrew Jones said strong regional science depended on strong national scientific institutions.
“Pacific island countries and territories are already generating high-quality science,” he said.
He said SPC’s role was to connect expertise across the region, strengthen research capability, share knowledge and support governments with evidence to inform decisions and investment.
The partnership builds on SROS’s existing work in food science, renewable energy, plant and post-harvest technologies, environmental testing and technical services.
Established under the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa Act 2006, SROS conducts applied scientific research to support Samoa’s sustainable development.
The MoU also provides a pathway for further joint research, technical assistance and capacity development through future implementation agreements.
The organisations say the collaboration will allow the partnership to evolve as new scientific priorities emerge while contributing to wider efforts to strengthen Pacific science and climate resilience.
