Acting Dean
Welcome to the School of Science and Technology (SOST)
Establishment and Growth
The School of Science and Technology (SOST) was established in 2005 with the founding departments of Computer Science and Mathematics. In 2007 Professor Srinivasiah Muralidhar was appointed as the first Dean of SOST, holding the position for five years. Under his leadership, the school laid the foundation for academic and research excellence. In 2011, the University Council expanded SOST’s scope by establishing the Science Department, which has since flourished into a dynamic hub for education, research, and innovation.
The SOST is now focused on a restructure to allow for more hands-on practical components in teaching and research in response to 21st century realities such as pandemics, climate and ecological crises and inter-disciplinarity to make the School more relevant to student preferences in the fields of science and technology.
From 2021, mainly in response to the Covid-19 realities, SOST was able to branch out into innovative areas of research, learning and teaching. Since then, subject to the Strategic Plan 2022-2026, the School has been able to move towards fulfilling the outputs of the Plan. External reviews of the departments showed a vast improvement in the profile of the School since 2020.
Science Department
The Science Department is dedicated to advancing education, research, and outreach in both basic and applied sciences to support national and regional development. With a team of highly trained academics, the department offers robust programs across the following disciplines:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Renewable Energy
Mission and Collaborations
The department aims to foster cutting-edge research and practical solutions in areas such as climate change, renewable energy, ecology, conservation, ocean sciences, and advanced data analytics. Partnerships with national and international research organizations and industries ensure students and researchers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges. Staff contributions to Quartile 1-ranked journals demonstrate the department’s commitment to impactful research.
From 2025 the department will be advancing in its heutagogic methodology of learning and teaching by ensuring students are exposed to practical teaching opportunities. An example is the Marine Science classroom which aims to take students into the seascapes near to the campuses and the hubs established by the University, for example Levuka where the reefs will become a teaching focus for the students enrolled in relevant programmes. A lot more emphasis will also be placed on understanding the SIDS and SDGs frameworks from a practical perspective with students being taken to the coral reefs, and surrounding ocean environment to investigate the impact of sea level rise, climate crisis and ecological risks in the Pacific.
The establishment of the inter-disciplinary Ecological and Climate Crisis Legal Institute (ECCLI) in 2025 will also allow students and staff of SOST to work in collaboration with other Schools such as the JDP School of Law and the School of Business and Economics of the University to develop submissions for international and regional fora for the purposes of policy making, legislative change and advocacy.
Mission and Collaborations
The department aims to foster cutting-edge research and practical solutions in areas such as climate change, renewable energy, ecology, conservation, ocean sciences, and advanced data analytics. Partnerships with national and international research organizations and industries ensure students and researchers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges. Staff contributions to Quartile 1-ranked journals demonstrate the department’s commitment to impactful research.
From 2025 the department will be advancing in its heutagogic methodology of learning and teaching by ensuring students are exposed to practical teaching opportunities. An example is the Marine Science classroom which aims to take students into the seascapes near to the campuses and the hubs established by the University, for example Levuka where the reefs will become a teaching focus for the students enrolled in relevant programmes. A lot more emphasis will also be placed on understanding the SIDS and SDGs frameworks from a practical perspective with students being taken to the coral reefs, and surrounding ocean environment to investigate the impact of sea level rise, climate crisis and ecological risks in the Pacific.
The establishment of the inter-disciplinary Ecological and Climate Crisis Legal Institute (ECCLI) in 2025 will also allow students and staff of SOST to work in collaboration with other Schools such as the JDP School of Law and the School of Business and Economics of the University to develop submissions for international and regional fora for the purposes of policy making, legislative change and advocacy.
Computer Science and Mathematics (CSM) Department
The CSM Department is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. With a curriculum that balances theoretical depth and practical applications, the department focuses on:
- Pure and Applied Mathematics (e.g., numerical analysis, statistics)
- Core and Advanced Computer Science (e.g., machine learning, cybersecurity, software engineering, data science)
Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, independent research opportunities, and collaborations with leading academic institutions and industries. Faculty research spans diverse fields, preparing students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and beyond.
The CSM Department will be working on Artificial Intelligence, Maths Education and innovative collaborations with other Schools of the University on joint research topics from 2025.
Significant Contributions
International Workshops and Symposiums
SOST has successfully organized and hosted international events to promote knowledge exchange, including:
- Pacific Regional Climate Change and Health Symposium: Conducted with partners like WHO, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and the Fiji Ministry of Health.
- Loss and Damage and Climate Negotiations Workshop: In collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Linköping University (Sweden), and ANU (Australia).
- International Symposium on Renewable Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (ISREEC).
- World-Wide Views on Climate and Energy (2015): Coordinated with global and regional partners such as UNFCCC and the French Ministry of Ecology.
- Global Citizen Dialogue on the Future of the Internet: A workshop addressing the societal implications of technological advancements.
Major Projects
SOST has successfully implemented several impactful projects:
- EPIC Project: Funded by the EU, this initiative established the Centre of Renewable Energy and introduced Fiji’s first Master’s Degree in Renewable Energy Management (REM).
- GIS Lab and Tropical Aquatic Resources Mapping: Developed through USAID’s PACAM funding.
- Coherence of NDCs and SDGs: Supported by SEI, Sweden.
- Waste Management Campaigns: Collaboration with ANU’s Science Circus Pacific.
- Rural Aquaculture and Entrepreneurial Skills Post-COVID-19: A USAID-funded initiative.
- Plastic Waste Management Efficiency Study: Funded by UNDP.
- Climate and Ocean Vulnerability Index (CORVI): Partnered with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan) and Stimson Centre (USA).
- Food Security in Vulnerable Islands: Supported by Action on Poverty.
- Transforming Energy Access (TEA-LP): A UK Aid-funded project focusing on energy access and mini-grid design.
Centres and Research Groups
Centre for Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development (CCCEESD)
This centre strengthens SOST’s regional research capacity in climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development. It fosters collaboration with stakeholders, attracts regional students, and contributes to long-term multidisciplinary research.
Interdisciplinary Environment and Energy Research (IEER) Group
The IEER Group focuses on critical issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. It provides a collaborative environment for researchers and offers prospective students opportunities for advanced research.
Ecological and Climate Crisis Legal Institute (ECCLI) to be established in 2025 as an inter-disciplinary institute for climate crisis legal work.
Leadership
SOST has been guided by distinguished leaders, each contributing significantly to its growth and vision:
- Prof. Srinivasiah Muralidhar (2007–2012)
- Prof. Mahendra Kumar
- Prof. A. B. M. Shawkat Ali
- Prof. Anirudh Singh
For further information, visit:
