Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Thursday, 19 November 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) announced the three successful candidates selected for the SMART Cable Scholarship, a collaborative initiative funded by the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation in partnership with the University of Hawai’i and NUV.
This scholarship program offers outstanding Ni-Vanuatu students the opportunity to pursue a Master degree in Science (Professional) or Data Science (Professional) at James Cook University (JCU).
A total of 32 applications were received for this scholarship. Only applicants holding a Bachelor of Science or equivalent, and who provided full transcripts including their GPA, were preselected. Seventeen applicants proceeded to the final evaluation stage, which was conducted by a committee composed of representatives from the Department of Communications & Digital Transformation, the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geohazards Department, the University of Hawai’i and NUV.
Following a detailed review based on academic performance, relevant professional experience, and the candidates’ alignment with the SMART Cable Project’s objectives, the committee awarded three scholarships: two for the Master of Science (Professional) and one for the Master of Data Science (Professional).
The Master of Data Science scholarship was awarded to Ms Rerena Vatu, recognised for her work as a data analyst in the Department of Volcanology and Seismology, a role directly related to the data that will be collected through the SMART Cable. The Master of Science scholarships were awarded to Ms Stephanie Matalue, who was ranked first based on her outstanding academic performance, and Ms Melinda Aru, who was selected in second position for her extensive experience as a Scientific Officer at the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geohazards Department.
The SMART Cable Project represents a groundbreaking initiative that will enhance Vanuatu’s capacity to monitor oceanic and seismic activity by integrating scientific sensors into submarine telecommunication cables. This technology will provide vital environmental data, supporting research, safety, and resilience for island communities.
On Friday, 14 November 2025, at NUV’s main campus, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Pascal Michon, NUV’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the three recipients and formally announced their selection.
Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the importance of the SMART Cable Project and the participation of Ni-Vanuatu professionals in this initiative. He said, “The SMART Cable Project represents a major step forward for Vanuatu’s scientific and technological capabilities. It is essential that Ni-Vanuatu professionals are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to lead in this field. These scholarships not only strengthen our capacity to manage national data resources but also ensure that our people are at the forefront of innovation and resilience building for the Pacific.”
NUV extends its congratulations to Ms Rerena Vatu, Ms Stephanie Matalue, and Ms Melinda Aru, and expresses its appreciation to the Smart Cable Project and James Cook University for their ongoing partnership in advancing scientific education and research capacity in Vanuatu.
