Four researchers from the University of the South Pacific have been recognised among the World's Top 2 percent scientists for their contributions to research in business management, renewable energy, tourism and artificial intelligence.
The four USP academics recognised are Professor Gurmeet Singh in Business and Management, Professor M. Rafiuddin Ahmed in Mechanical Engineering and Transports, Dr Shavneet Sharma in Sport, Leisure and Tourism, and Dr Ashok Kumar in Microbiology.
According to USP, the recognition highlights the international reach and influence of research being carried out by its academics across different fields.
The list is compiled using research citation data and identifies scientists whose work has achieved significant international citation impact.
Professor Singh's research examines digital technology adoption, consumer behaviour, sustainable business practices and tourism management.
His work examines how small and medium-sized enterprises can adopt digital technologies, balance financial performance with environmental sustainability, and strengthen resilience in the tourism and hospitality industries during economic disruptions.
He also researches internet banking adoption in Fiji, public sector reforms in Small Island States and digital public services, exploring ways to improve access, efficiency and trust in technology-enabled services.
Professor Singh says the recognition affirms that world-class research can emerge from regional universities and make a meaningful impact while advancing knowledge, addressing regional challenges and shaping a better future for Pacific communities.
Professor Singh was recognised on the list in both 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, Professor Ahmed has spent more than 15 years researching renewable energy options for Pacific Island countries, including wind power, biofuels and ocean-based technologies.
His research includes resource assessments and feasibility studies for ocean thermal energy conversion and seawater air conditioning, with findings shared with national energy departments to inform renewable energy planning.
His work on seawater air conditioning contributed to a US$3.8 million project to cool USP's Marine Science building.
The system is expected to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while also producing desalinated water, with the potential to support the University's long-term water security.
Professor Ahmed says it is satisfying to see his research, which mainly focuses on the South Pacific region, attracting international citations.
He says that having featured on the list continuously since 2020, he hopes the recognition will also motivate young researchers to produce quality research.
Dr Sharma's research examines how people make decisions, interact with technology and respond to changes in their communities.
His work covers consumer behaviour, tourism and emerging technologies, bringing perspectives from Fiji and the Pacific into international research.
His tourism research looks at how tourism development affects the attitudes, experiences and wellbeing of people and communities in Pacific destinations.
He is also studying how people interact with artificial intelligence, including why they communicate politely with AI systems and how this may influence their responses to AI-generated recommendations.
This is the second year Dr Sharma has been recognised among the World's Top 2% of Scientists.
Dr Sharma says it is encouraging to see research from Fiji receive international recognition and that the achievement has further motivated him to produce research that advances knowledge and addresses issues relevant to Pacific businesses and communities.
Meanwhile, Dr Kumar's research focuses on antimicrobial resistance and finding new ways to fight infections.
His work examines drug-resistant bacteria that cause infections after surgery, with the aim of improving antibiotic use, infection control and patient safety.
The findings can help inform clinical practice and efforts to address antimicrobial resistance in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
He is also studying microorganisms found in mangrove-associated lichens to identify new compounds that could help fight antibiotic resistance and treat infections.
Dr Kumar says the recognition is a great honour and motivates him to advance research and contribute to scientific progress in Fiji and the wider Pacific.
USP says the recognition of the four researchers highlights their contribution to international research while addressing challenges and opportunities that are important to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
