Understanding climate change begins with understanding its impacts. Yet many of the changes already unfolding across the Pacific, from shifting ecosystems and changing agricultural conditions to climate-related loss and damage, require stronger scientific evidence to help governments make informed decisions, target investment, and plan for the future.
Recognising the growing importance of nationally led research, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and the Pacific Community (SPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in early September 2026 to establish a long-term framework for scientific collaboration.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will jointly conduct research, strengthen scientific and technical capabilities, exchange knowledge, and respond to emerging research priorities in Samoa and across the Pacific.
A particular focus of the collaboration will be strengthening methodologies for assessing climate-related loss and damage, an area of growing importance as Pacific countries seek better evidence to understand how climate change is affecting their economies, environments and communities.
The collaboration will also strengthen climate data collection and analysis, environmental monitoring, laboratory capability, and research on agriculture, ecosystems and local resources. Together, these efforts will strengthen the evidence that underpins policy, informs investment and supports climate decision-making across Samoa and the wider Pacific.
Dr Fiame Leo, Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, said investing in national scientific capability is essential to ensuring Pacific countries can respond to climate change with confidence.
“Climate change presents increasingly complex challenges that require evidence generated through Pacific science and Pacific expertise. This collaboration will help build Samoa’s research capability, create new opportunities to work alongside regional partners and invest in the people and expertise needed to generate the evidence that will inform decisions for our country while contributing knowledge that benefits the wider Pacific.“
As climate risks continue to evolve, governments are increasingly relying on scientific evidence to identify emerging challenges, evaluate policy options and prioritise investment. Strengthening national research capability improves the quality of that evidence while contributing to a stronger regional scientific network where knowledge, expertise and innovation can be shared across Pacific Island countries.
Dr Andrew Jones, Deputy Director-General Science and Capability at SPC, said strong regional science is built on strong national scientific institutions.
“Pacific island countries and territories are already generating high-quality science. SPC’s role is to connect that expertise across the region, strengthening research capability, sharing knowledge and generating the evidence that Governments need to make informed decisions, target investment, and respond to the growing challenges of climate change. Collaborations like this help ensure Pacific science continues to deliver practical solutions for Pacific people”.
Established under the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa Act 2006, SROS undertakes applied scientific research across food science, renewable energy, plant and post-harvest technologies, environmental testing and technical services in support of Samoa’s sustainable development. The collaboration builds on these strengths by expanding opportunities for scientific innovation, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The MoU also creates a pathway for future collaboration. As new scientific priorities emerge, SPC and SROS will be able to develop implementation agreements for joint research, technical assistance and capacity development, ensuring the collaboration continues to evolve alongside Samoa’s research needs while contributing to broader regional efforts to strengthen Pacific science.
