The Chief Executive Officer's (C.E.O.) position at Samoa's top scientific research body remains vacant, more than six months after the position was advertised.

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) is currently led by Acting C.E.O, Fiso Pousui Dr. Fiame Leo after former boss, Seuseu Dr. Joseph Edward Tauati resigned to take over the C.E.O position for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) in March of this year.

It is believed that 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. 

Meanwhile, S.R.O.S last year established a new division as their response to requests for molecular tests from different bodies within the government, which will identify the presence or absence of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, as well as other issues like the African swine fever in local pigs and incoming pork products.

The molecular testing service division will facilitate the testing of human pathogens, animal pathogens, paternity and genealogical tests, drugs and narcotics as well as prompting the workplace drug testing (WDT).

It will also contribute largely to the Ministry of Police and Prisons in drug testing for any related court cases and such.

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.  

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

In 2018, 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 biodiesel which, when added to fuel, significantly reduces carbon emissions.  

The Ministry of Public Enterprises (M.P.E.) advertised the C.E.O. position for S.R.O.S. last year in November, with submissions to be made by November 25, 2022.