Fiji has appointed distinguished Australian academic Prof. Dharmendra Sharma AM as Chair of its National Research Council (NRC), placing the Fiji-born researcher at the forefront of the country’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
The NRC is expected to play a key role in advancing research across priority areas such as climate adaptation and resilience, healthcare systems, digital transformation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development throughout Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Prof. Sharma described the appointment as a significant personal and professional milestone, coming 25 years after he left Fiji to pursue an academic career in Australia.
“Being able to help drive research in Fiji and the Pacific is incredibly exciting, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to Fiji’s national development. It is difficult to put into words how much it means to help shape the future of the country where I was born.”
A member of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra since 2001, Prof. Sharma is internationally recognised for his expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and knowledge discovery. He also maintains a long-standing association with the University of the South Pacific (USP) as an adjunct academic.
University of Canberra Executive Dean of Science and Technology Prof. Fiona Dyer welcomed the appointment, describing it as an important achievement for both Fiji and the university.
“Dharmendra has made a significant contribution to higher education and research capacity-building across the Pacific region for many years,” she said.
“This appointment reflects his standing as a respected research leader and highlights the University of Canberra’s growing engagement in the Pacific.”
Prof. Dyer added that the NRC would play a crucial role in shaping Fiji’s future research and innovation agenda, supported by Prof. Sharma’s extensive leadership experience and technical expertise.
With his strong background in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, there is growing optimism that the NRC will help position Fiji as a regional leader in responsible and culturally informed technology development. Potential focus areas include climate risk management, health monitoring, smart agriculture, disaster response, and improved public service delivery.
Fiji has appointed distinguished Australian academic Prof. Dharmendra Sharma AM as Chair of its National Research Council (NRC), placing the Fiji-born researcher at the forefront of the country’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
The NRC is expected to play a key role in advancing research across priority areas such as climate adaptation and resilience, healthcare systems, digital transformation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development throughout Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
Prof. Sharma described the appointment as a significant personal and professional milestone, coming 25 years after he left Fiji to pursue an academic career in Australia.
“Being able to help drive research in Fiji and the Pacific is incredibly exciting, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me,” he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to Fiji’s national development. It is difficult to put into words how much it means to help shape the future of the country where I was born.”
A member of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra since 2001, Prof. Sharma is internationally recognised for his expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and knowledge discovery. He also maintains a long-standing association with the University of the South Pacific (USP) as an adjunct academic.
University of Canberra Executive Dean of Science and Technology Prof. Fiona Dyer welcomed the appointment, describing it as an important achievement for both Fiji and the university.
“Dharmendra has made a significant contribution to higher education and research capacity-building across the Pacific region for many years,” she said.
“This appointment reflects his standing as a respected research leader and highlights the University of Canberra’s growing engagement in the Pacific.”
Prof. Dyer added that the NRC would play a crucial role in shaping Fiji’s future research and innovation agenda, supported by Prof. Sharma’s extensive leadership experience and technical expertise.
With his strong background in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, there is growing optimism that the NRC will help position Fiji as a regional leader in responsible and culturally informed technology development. Potential focus areas include climate risk management, health monitoring, smart agriculture, disaster response, and improved public service delivery.