The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is excited to announce the selection of three new scholars for the 2025 Pacific Agricultural Support & Climate Resilience Scholarship (PASS-CR) program.

The scholars—one PhD and two Master’s candidates—will begin their studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP) under the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans & Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).

ACIAR PhD Scholar: Mr Jainesh Ram

Mr Jainesh Ram will embark on his PhD research, focusing on “Genetic biodiversity of fruit flies and exploration of its nature-based solution as a management tool for Fijians in the diverse agricultural landscapes of Fiji.” His work is closely linked to an ongoing ACIAR project in the Pacific, “Responding to Emerging Pest and Disease Threats to Horticulture in the Pacific Islands” (HORT/2016/185). With a strong background in entomology, Mr Ram’s research is expected to contribute significantly to managing agricultural pests in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. His PhD will be supervised by Dr Leslie Ubaub (USP) and Professor Michael Furlong (University of Queensland).

ACIAR Masters Scholar: Mr Errol Frank Lehi

Mr Errol Frank Lehi will pursue a Master’s by Research at USP, with a focus on “Investigating Foliar Diseases on Improved Varieties of Taro as Influenced by Different Mulching Materials in Samoa.” His project is aligned with ACIAR’s climate change initiative (CLIM/2020/186), aiming to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Pacific Islands. Mr Lehi’s research will be guided by Dr Leslie Ubaub (USP), Associate Professor Dorin Gupta, and Dante Adorada (both from University of Melbourne).

ACIAR Masters Scholar: Ms Morien Monika Prasad

Ms Morien Prasad is also joining the ACIAR scholarship program, pursuing a Master’s by Research on “Spatial Variability in Hydraulic Properties of Soil Under Different Cropping Systems in Tavua District, Fiji.” Her work is part of the ACIAR Pacific Soil Portal Phase 2 Project (SLAM/2020/139). Ms. Prasad will be supervised by Dr. Sanjay Anand and Dr. Md. Abdul Kader (both from USP).

ACIAR is confident that these three scholars will make valuable contributions to their respective fields and to the agricultural development and climate resilience efforts in their home countries and the broader Pacific region.