Author: aniket

The University of Fiji is proud to announce that Dr Ramendra Prasad, Associate Professor and the Head of the Science Department at the School of Science and Technology has once again been recognised in the World’s Top 2% Scientists List for 2025, compiled by Stanford University in partnership with Elsevier.

This marks the third consecutive year that Professor Ramen’s name has been featured, a remarkable achievement that highlights his ongoing contribution to cutting-edge research in Enabling & Strategic Technologies, particularly Energy and Environmental Engineering.

The list, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global rankings of researchers, is based on the citation impact of scientists across diverse disciplines.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, congratulated Professor Prasad highlighting the importance of this recognition.

“This recognition for Associate Professor Prasad is once again an accolade for him professionally and for the University of Fiji’s extending repertoire of achievements in the intellectual arena.”

She said the University, since its Higher Education Commission Review in 2024, had moved firmly towards ensuring that it’s main concentration, as a research active University, was to record high level publications including through its own University of Fiji Press. Professor Prasad was one of UniFiji’s preeminent scholars; his work focused on the very significant area of science, especially environmental science and, as such he was a mentor for early career academics at the University.

Reflecting on the recognition, Professor Prasad said that being ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists for the third consecutive year is both humbling and motivating.

“It is a personal honour and a professional validation of the research I lead and contribute to, which has global relevance and impact. This recognition affirms years of persistence, collaboration, and dedication to advancing knowledge while addressing real-world challenges in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.”

Professor Prasad’s research spans areas such as machine learning and AI applications for renewable energy forecasting, waste-to-energy solutions tailored for Pacific contexts, and environmental monitoring systems for air, water, and flood forecasting. His work bridges theory and practice, ensuring real-world impact and international visibility.

Professor Prasad emphasised that the honour reflects not only individual effort but also UniFiji’s growing research culture:

“This recognition highlights UniFiji’s capacity to produce research of international calibre despite limited resources. It strengthens our reputation as a Pacific hub for renewable energy, climate resilience, and environmental engineering research.”

Through programmes such as the MSc in Renewable Energy Management, MSc in Environmental Science, and PhD pathways, UniFiji continues to cultivate the next generation of scientists and innovators.

He noted the importance of inspiring students and young researchers and mentioned that this achievement illustrates that impactful global recognition is possible from Fiji.

“Several of my MSc students are already working on applied research in solar, hydropower, biogas, and offshore wind, highly relevant to regional sustainability. Seeing their supervisor’s work recognised globally motivates them to pursue innovative, high-quality projects.”

Looking ahead, Professor Prasad plans to expand UniFiji’s contribution to the field through strengthening postgraduate and research programmes in renewable energy and environmental sciences, attracting more international collaborations and external grants, mentoring MSc and PhD students to build a new generation of researchers and Serving as a Review Editor for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7).

He also envisions new collaborations in smart grid applications, hydrogen energy, and AI-integrated environmental modelling, positioning UniFiji as a hub for advanced, contextually relevant clean energy research.

The University of Fiji’s Drua Project Coordinator, Mr. Setareki Ledua, proudly represented UniFiji at the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Preparatory Commission held on Thursday, 28 August 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Mr. Ledua advanced UniFiji’s voice in global conversations on inclusive ocean governance and traditional knowledge, ensuring that the Pacific and the University of Fiji were both visible at this important international forum.

This participation provided not only an opportunity to stand for the Pacific but, most importantly, to showcase the University of Fiji on the international stage.

The BBNJ Agreement is a new, legally binding instrument under UNCLOS focused on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), which make up nearly two-thirds of the ocean. As the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS, it addresses key gaps in ocean governance across four pillars: marine genetic resources and benefit sharing; area-based management tools including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and transfer of marine technology. Adopted in 2023, the treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification is deposited with the UN Secretary-General.

A distinctive feature of the BBNJ Agreement is its recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), including provisions for integrating traditional knowledge alongside science, participation in governance, and dedicated funding to support IPLC conservation programmes.

Reflecting on his participation, Mr. Ledua said his involvement at the BBNJ Preparatory Commission elevated the University of Fiji’s visibility in international policy forums while creating new opportunities for the institution. He highlighted that this representation opens practical pathways for collaborative research and teaching in areas such as ABNJ conservation, ocean law, and traditional knowledge. It also encourages student and staff engagement with emerging BBNJ institutions, including the Scientific and Technical Body and the Clearing-House Mechanism, while fostering partnerships for capacity building and technology transfer that prioritize Pacific needs and perspectives.

Mr. Ledua further stressed the importance of policy influence, particularly through proposals to embed IPLC leadership via an IPLC Advisory Mechanism to guide area-based management tools (ABMTs), environmental impact assessments (EIAs), capacity building initiatives, and fair benefit-sharing.

Speaking at the conference he emphasized that the “Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are not peripheral to ocean governance, they are central. Their ancestral knowledge, cultural practices, and lived stewardship offer not only wisdom but solutions for the challenges we face in protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The BBNJ Agreement must not be implemented in isolation from those who have safeguarded marine ecosystems for generations. Inclusion is not charity – it is justice. It is effectiveness. It is resilience. We call on all delegates, institutions, and partners to ensure that IPLC voices are not just heard but embedded in the heart of BBNJ implementation. Let this event be the beginning of a sustained commitment to co-governance, equity, and respect. Together, we can shape a future where the ocean is protected not only by policy – but by people.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, congratulated Mr. Ledua on his achievement, describing it as an important milestone for UniFiji and the Pacific.

Professor Shameem said the University’s Drua Project and it’s contribution to the BBNJ parliamentary select committee process in Fiji where the University’s JDP School of Law made strong submissions supporting Fiji Government’s ratification of the Agreement was preparation for Captain Ledua’s participation in New York.

She said the University is involved in a number of international research projects with other university partners in Europe to ensure the high seas and coastal issues stemming from relentless commercial activity such as mining and fishing are properly addressed through both international and domestic law. Furthermore, the University of Fiji takes every opportunity, budget permitting, to attend meetings in the international fora to which it actively contributes through its unique human values perspective on crises of the 21st century such as economic and labour exploitation, commercial hyper-activity and geo-political tensions within the bloc realignments currently taking place, she said.

The University as Fiji’s primary independent think-tank was being identified more and more internationally as being able to express a perspective based on equity and common sense, Professor Shameem said. The University’s participation in the BBNJ high level strategy meeting was an indication of its inclusive community- based voice much needed for significant developments in international relations with the Ocean Pacific as it’s moral compass she said.

She added that Mr. Ledua’s contribution not only reflects his personal dedication but also strengthens the University’s vision of combining academic excellence with cultural knowledge to influence global policy.

The University of Fiji commends Mr. Ledua for representing the institution with distinction and looks forward to the opportunities, networks, and collaborations that will emerge from his participation on the international stage.

The University of Fiji’s School of Business and Economics (SoBE) has achieved international recognition, receiving 1 Palme of Excellence in the prestigious 2025 Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking. This milestone acknowledges SoBE’s growing role in shaping higher education in the Pacific and highlights its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and high-quality education.

EdUniversal, a respected global ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions, evaluates business schools based on academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence in their geographical zone.

The award demonstrates the School’s growing reputation, quality of programmes, and alignment with international standards.

Dr. Navneel Prasad, Head of Department- Management and Senior Lecturer the School of Business and Economics, said this recognition reflects the dedication of the School to serving the Pacific region’s unique needs.

“This milestone reinforces the School’s commitment to producing skilled graduates, supporting business innovation, and contributing to economic development in Fiji and the wider Pacific. The recognition also enhances the School’s visibility globally, creating new opportunities for academic partnerships, student exchanges, and research collaborations.”

The Eduniversal Palme of Excellence is awarded by the International Scientific Committee of Eduniversal, a globally respected ranking and rating agency for higher education institutions. The recognition is based on criteria such as academic reputation, internationalisation, and influence within their geographical zone.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said that School of Business and Economics is one of only two universities in Fiji to have received this distinction.

“This is a wonderful accolade, not only for our School of Business and Economics which is cutting edge for modern economic, management and accounting theory, as well as our MBA Programme, but for the University as a whole.”

The Vice Chancellor said the University was growing in reputation among its peers internationally through such academic quality accreditation and, while not adequately resourced compared to other universities in Fiji, was nevertheless leading by example in all its programmes.

This milestone underscores SoBE’s role in expanding access to higher education in Fiji’s Western Division and rural communities, preparing graduates to contribute to key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and business innovation, providing internationally accredited programmes in accounting (CAANZ, CPA Australia, FICA) and tourism (endorsed by PATA) and reinforcing global standards through its membership in AACSB and institutional accreditation by the UK’s QAA.

The recognition also strengthens SoBE’s global visibility, paving the way for new opportunities in academic partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborative research.

The University of Fiji (Unifiji) is calling for urgent reform of the Fiji Police Force to build a Dynamic, Responsive, Transformative, and Future-Ready Force capable of addressing today’s complex challenges.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that all proposed reforms and revisions of legislation came within the University’s ThinkTank role as a KPI in its Strategic Plan 2022-2026. Thus the University took as many opportunities as possible to make submissions on legislative revisions either upon request from government agencies or under the University’s own cognizance as the critic and conscience of society.

Professor Shameem said the current Police Act was not only outdated it was not sufficiently focused in accordance with Fiji’s commitments under international law which it was bound to follow.

The revisions recommended by UniFiji were comprehensive, and pertained to proper exercise of law and order with appropriate safeguards in relation to international human rights and humanitarian law. The University’s recommendations were based on achieving the balance between security of the state and people through policing on the one hand, and the rights of the individual and police officers on the other, she said.

Professor Shameem also said that there must be more emphasis on community policing so that there was trust between Fiji’s diverse communities and the police. Furthermore, there seemed to be a shortfall in police training whereby many police officers themselves did not appear to know how to conduct themselves lawfully. There is a duty imposed on the Ministry responsible for policing to ensure that more than basic training is provided to the police in matters such as human values, ethics, diplomacy, gender and child rights issues, advocacy for community policing and language and culture so that police can serve all the people of Fiji fairly and equitably. The University’s submissions were drafted from that perspective in mind.

Fiji faces rising drug-related offences, domestic and sexual violence, emerging digital crimes, transnational threats, and declining public trust in policing. At the same time, citizens demand accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Without meaningful reform, the Police Force risks losing legitimacy and the ability to effectively protect Fijians.

Following the Police Act Review, Unifiji has submitted a written comprehensive submission for consideration and have proposed major reforms (but is not limited to) to modernize policing and strengthen public trust.

Key Recommendations

1. Mandatory Drug Testing of Police Officers
   • Introduce a law-backed, mandatory drug testing regime for all police officers, across all ranks.
   • Testing should be random, incident-based, and triggered by reasonable suspicion, ensuring that integrity and fitness for duty are maintained at all times.
   • Clear and consistent disciplinary consequences must apply to officers who test positive.
   • This measure will directly address concerns about police involvement in drug-related offences, protect the reputation of the Force, and restore public confidence.
2. Introduction of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)
   • Amend the Police Act (or adopt a new Surveillance & Policing Technologies Act) to authorize BWCs and other digital tools.
   • Mandate activation during arrests, searches, vehicle stops, use of force, domestic violence responses, and critical incidents.
   • Require strict data governance, privacy safeguards, independent audits, and annual reporting to Parliament.
3. Arms and Ammunition
   • The current Police Act states that the Force is “entitled” to carry arms, a provision that is overly broad and risks misuse. Unifiji recommends replacing this with language that makes firearm use lawful, conditional, and regulated.
   • Firearms must only be used where exceptional, proportionate, and strictly necessary, consistent with international human rights standards. The new Act should also set clear rules for authorization, training, safe storage, and mandatory reporting of firearm use.
4. Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)
   • Establish an independent civilian-led authority with powers to investigate complaints, subpoena officers, and refer cases for discipline or prosecution.
   • Require annual public reporting to strengthen transparency.
5. Mandatory Mental Health & Psychiatric Assessments
   • Psychological screening should not be limited to recruitment only, officers must also undergo structured mental health assessments every 3–5 years to ensure continued fitness for duty.
   • Provide confidential counselling and wellness programmes to support officers.
6. Community Policing
   • The current Police Act focuses on enforcement but does not recognize community policing as a core duty. Unifiji recommends embedding community policing, prevention, and engagement into the new Act.
   • This includes establishing a Department of Community Safety and Partnerships, creating local community forums, and ensuring all officers are trained in problem-solving and partnership approaches.
   • Fiji must move beyond a reactive model to an intelligence-led, community-driven approach that prevents crime, builds trust, and reduces pressure on frontline response.
7. Whistleblower Protections
   • Enact whistleblower protections for both police officers and civilians, including confidentiality guarantees and protection from retaliation.
   • Link protections to the IPCA for independent oversight of complaints and investigations.
   • Mandate annual public reporting on complaints, investigations, and disciplinary outcomes to ensure transparency.
8. Inclusion & Representation
   • Introduce diversity targets for women, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
   • Publish annual diversity reports and ensure accessibility of police services.
9. Alignment with Constitution & Human Rights
   • The new Police Act must fully reflect Fiji’s Bill of Rights and international standards. This means protecting life, liberty, and privacy, prohibiting torture and discrimination; safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, ensuring fair treatment of arrested persons and strictly regulating the use of force so it is exceptional, proportionate, and a last resort.
10. Ethical Technology & Digital Crime
    • Regulate use of AI, drones, biometrics, and surveillance under a rights-based framework.
    • Establish a Cybercrime & Digital Forensics Unit to address phishing, hacking, and deep fakes.
11. Political Activities
    • New Act in Fiji should maintain clear restrictions on political engagement and outside employment for police officers.
    • The law should prohibit officers from standing for election, campaigning, or publicly supporting political parties while serving in the Force, in order to preserve neutrality and public trust.
12. Mandatory Human Values & Vulnerable Groups Training
    • Make respect, dignity, and fairness core pillars of police training.
    • Include specialized modules on domestic violence, children, people with disabilities, and minority groups.

Unifiji emphasizes that a reformed Police Act will produce a Force that is professional in conduct, accountable in practice, inclusive in representation, and trusted by the people.

“Above all, these reforms will strengthen democracy, uphold justice, and safeguard the dignity and safety of every Fijian, today and for generations to come,” said Madam VC.