Patila Amosa

Dr. Patila Amosa is the President and Vice Chancellor of National University of Samoa. She is an academic leader and researcher with expertise in environmental science, chemistry and higher education governance. Proven record in advancing research, mentoring and fostering international collaborations. Her academic qualifications include:

  • PhD in Chemistry, University of Otago, NZ (2015);
  • Master of Science & PGDipSci with distinction (Environmental Science), University of Otago, New Zealand;
  • BSc in Chemistry/Biology, Flinders University, Australia;
  • Diploma in Education, Flinders University, Australia.

Dr. Amosa is also a Member of Samoa National Policy Coordination Committee, Co-chair of National Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Committee, Co-chair of National University of Samoa-Liaocheng University Management Board for Confucius Institute.

Research Leadership:

  • Vice Chancellor & President, National University of Samoa (2023–present): Strengthened research governance and capacity-building initiatives.
  • NUS Lead Investigator: Gender Equity and Leadership Projects (2024–2027).
  • Chair, VUSSC Management Committee, Commonwealth of Learning.

International Collaborations with Funded Projects:

  • Commonwealth of Learning (VUSSC) – Virtual University initiatives for small states; funded by COL to enhance online learning capacity.
  • Pacific Attitude Survey – Partnership with ANU and Swinburne University; funded by Australian Government to assess climate and political attitudes.
  • Ocean Acidification Project – Collaboration with The Ocean Foundation; funded to build monitoring capacity and conduct coastal water research in Samoa.
  • UNITWIN Collaboration – Science for Sustainable Development with Massey University; UNESCO-funded project focusing on water quality and sustainability research.

Teaching Experience:

  • Professor of Environmental Science (2023–2025) – Coordinated MSc courses on Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring; supervised postgraduate research.
  • Associate Professor of Environmental Science (2021–2023) – Led postgraduate programme accreditation; curriculum development for MSc programmes.
  • Senior Lecturer (2015–2021) – Taught Climate Change and Disaster Management; developed postgraduate and undergraduate curricula.
  • Biology Lecturer (1993–2015) – Coordinated Biology courses from Foundation to 100level; curriculum development for science education.

Research Impact:

  • Significant growth in the university’s research outputs: 125 (2023), 144 (2024), 174 (2025).
  • Supervised multiple postgraduate students, including MSc and PhD candidates (internal and external).
  • Contributed to curriculum innovation through development of TVET and postgraduate programmes and accreditation processes.

Led digital transformation initiatives, including establishment of Instructional Design Centre and Centre of Excellence in IT, enhancing technology-enabled learning.

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