United Nations donates underwater drone to N.U.S.
The United Nations Development Programme (U.N.D.P.) has donated an underwater drone to the National University of Samoa’s Faculty of Science.
The underwater drone, which is commonly called remotely operated vehicles (R.O.V.) in the field, will be used by the university for research purposes.
N.U.S. President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma, received the donation from the U.N.D.P’s Christine Mualia.
“We hope this donation to N.U.S. will assist students and staff in carrying out open access research, establish a community of practice and multi-partner research,” she said.
The technology can be used for a variety of purposes including underwater exploration, filmmaking, ship inspections as well as scientific research.
Professor Ekeroma hopes the drone can be used for a variety of projects including commercial tasks, which ensures that while students learn research methods, they are also generating income for the university.
“We are thankful for these resources and we would also like to acknowledge the pivotal role of Professor Gar Goldstein, our research partners from New York University in New York and Abu Dhabi, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) here in Samoa,” he added