Applicants are being sought for the Chief Executive Officer's position at Samoa's peak scientific research body, as the circumstances around the agency’s apparent change in leadership remain unclear.

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) is currently led by Seuseu Dr. Joseph Edward Tauati. He did not respond to queries from the Samoa Observer this week about why his position had been advertised. 

But if Seuseu has resigned or his contract has simply expired, a potential change at the top of S.R.O.S. would represent a significant change for the Government’s research and development arm, which was established 13 years ago and has recently developed a variety of novel  products for export. 

The current C.E.O.'s links to scientific research and development in Samoa date back several years. Before taking on the top job in 2017, Seuseu worked as S.R.O.S.'s Principal Officer in the Government science initiative he now oversees, which was first established in 2006.

S.R.O.S. was established with a $6 million investment by the Government to promote Samoan scientific research, which covers areas such as food production, horticulture and microbiology with a view to assisting the private sector generate new exports.  

S.R.O.S.'s goals include conducting scientific research and developing new technologies with an eye to growing the nation's exports. 

Last year the agency announced it had produced the first-ever homegrown Samoan whiskey, which was composed of derivatives from Taro. The 60-person team has also been working on the production of a coconut-based bio-diesel which, when added to fuel, significantly reduces carbon emissions.  

Before his move to the research centre, Seuseu was a consultant to the Ministry of Agriculture's Fisheries Crops Division, where he rose to become a principal quarantine officer.

Seuseu was educated at the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) – Alafua where he received his Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree. After that, he continued his studies in Japan where he  received his Master’s Degree and then his PhD from the United Kingdom.

The S.R.O.S. Chief is married with two children and is the son of Robyn Tauati and the late Rev. Seuseu Levaula Tauati, who was a former C.E.O. of the National Provident Fund.  

Seuseu Dr. Joseph Edward Tauati has been a public servant for almost 10 years.  

Since its inauguration, S.R.O.S. has successfully developed formulas from Samoa Avoka Margarine to Breadfruit gluten free flour, Frozen taro and other agricultural crops for export.