The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is pleased to announce the appointments of Professor Padma Lal as Adjunct Professor and Dr Pete Connolly as Adjunct Senior Fellow, both under the Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies. These appointments reflect SINU’s commitment to enhancing its academic and research capacity, contributing to national development and global engagement through strategic partnerships and advanced research.
Professor Padma Lal, an ecological economist, brings extensive experience in environmental and resource economics, climate change adaptation, and policy development. With decades of academic and professional contributions across the Pacific, Australia, and internationally, Professor Lal will significantly bolster SINU’s research efforts in environmental sustainability and climate change. She will also help build capacity for government officials, communities, and university staff. Her leadership will be instrumental in identifying high-priority projects, developing interdisciplinary, outcome-focused research initiatives, and supporting capacity-building workshops, especially in grant proposal writing and project management for SINU staff.
Dr Pete Connolly, an expert in strategic analysis and security studies, brings extensive experience in international engagement, national security, and defence strategy, particularly in the Pacific region. His expertise will shape SINU’s emerging programmes in security studies, a key area of collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Dr Connolly will support the Faculty of Education and Humanities, led by Rev Dr Ben Wate, in developing programmes that address security challenges in the Pacific. His contributions will further strengthen SINU’s capacity to engage with global stakeholders and develop impactful research and teaching initiatives.
SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, expressed enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, “We are privileged to have someone of Professor Lal’s calibre join SINU. Her understanding of environmental economics and climate change, along with her dedication to capacity building in the Pacific, will be a tremendous asset to our institution.”
Regarding Dr Connolly’s appointment, Professor Aqorau remarked, “Dr Connolly’s background in strategic analysis and leadership in security studies are invaluable to SINU. His involvement in our security studies programme, in collaboration with DFAT, will equip our students to address complex security issues in the Pacific.”
Both Professor Lal and Dr Connolly will play crucial roles in advancing SINU’s mission to be a leading institution for research and higher education in the Pacific. Their appointments mark a significant step forward in building the University’s academic and research capacity to address national and regional priorities through collaborative, interdisciplinary initiatives.
END//////////
SINU Press Release
