Nucleus Consultancy and Capacity Building Work
"Through knowledge, collaboration, and guidance, Nucleus empowers people and industries to build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable futures where local talent drives global impact."
EU project proposal Strengthening Molecular Diagnostics for Trade & Biosecurity
As JNP Fiji Limited, Nucleus was part of a consortium preparing the funding application for the Pacific Enabling Trade (PET) – SPS Project, a five-year EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) capacity across Pacific Island countries. The project sought to modernise SPS legislation, strengthen border surveillance, and develop regional diagnostic capacity for pests and diseases, ultimately reducing barriers to international trade. Nucleus was positioned to lead the molecular diagnostic package in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) Molecular Laboratory. This role included:
Training laboratory personnel from neighbouring Pacific Islands in molecular diagnostics.
Designing standardized protocols for sample collection, preservation, and transport to ensure accurate diagnostics.
Developing analytical and interpretative skills for laboratory staff to enhance regional disease monitoring.
Unfortunately, due to family commitments, Dr. Natacha Juste-Poinapen had to leave Fiji before project implementation. However, this experience paved the way for the creation of Nucleus, which continues to champion scientific capacity-building, molecular diagnostics, and applied microbiology in various environmental and public health projects. While the PET-SPS project moved forward under other leadership, Nucleus remains committed to collaborating on future projects that bridge science, trade, and biosecurity ensuring that knowledge-sharing leads to sustainable economic and environmental solutions.
FMF – Consultancy on Food Quality & Safety (2017-2018)
Ensuring food safety and quality is critical for both consumer confidence and industry reputation. As part of its commitment to hygiene, safety, and best practices, As JNP Fiji Limited, Nucleus provided independent consultancy services to FMF Food Limited, applying its scientific expertise to assess and enhance food quality management within the company’s operations.
The consultancy involved on-site evaluations, process assessments, and technical recommendations, ensuring that food production met the highest safety and hygiene standards. In addition, JNP Fiji Limited played a role in advising on optimal packaging solutions to improve the long-term storage stability of flour under local environmental conditions.
Operating with strict neutrality and professionalism, JNP Fiji Limited conducted each assessment with honesty, scientific rigor, and confidentiality, ensuring that recommendations were evidence-based and aligned with best industry practices.
Government Training in Molecular Biology & Microbiology Techniques (2017)
As Fiji prepared to establish a pathological molecular laboratory, there was a critical need to equip government technical staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to operate a high-standard microbiology and molecular biology facility. Recognizing this, JNP Fiji Limited (now Nucleus) was contracted to designed and lead a four-month comprehensive training program for the Ministry of Agriculture in the Fiji Islands, ensuring staff were ready for this transition.
The training program was multi-departmental, with 14 participants from key divisions within the Ministry of Agriculture, including:
Animal Health & Production – Focusing on livestock disease diagnostics and food safety.
Biosecurity & Plant Protection – Covering molecular techniques for detecting plant pathogens.
Food & Feed Testing – Training in microbial analysis for food safety and agricultural product testing.
Key Training Components
JNP Fiji Limited developed a structured training manual and conducted a mix of theory-based lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and participant evaluations to ensure competency across three core areas:
Good Laboratory Practices & Occupational Health & Safety
Implementing biosafety protocols, risk management, and quality assurance measures.
Laboratory management and ISO compliance for microbiological testing.
Overview of Molecular Laboratory Equipment
Introduction to molecular diagnostics tools, including PCR machines, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges.
Proper handling, maintenance, and calibration of equipment.
Basic Molecular & PCR Techniques
Hands-on training in DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and microbial identification.
Real-world application in pathogen detection and environmental monitoring.
Impact & Legacy
Equipped technical staff across multiple divisions with the expertise to operate Fiji’s first dedicated molecular microbiology lab.
Created a standardized training framework, including a manual for possible ongoing capacity-building efforts.
Partners: Fiji Government, Ministry of Agriculture
Pacific Region Laboratory Quality Assurance Training (2015-2016)
Quality assurance in laboratories is essential for ensuring reliable food and environmental testing, particularly in small island nations where accreditation and proficiency testing programs are still developing. Recognizing this need, JNP Fiji Limited (now Nucleus) designed and conducted an EU-funded ISO 17025 training program, equipping laboratory scientists from seven Pacific Island nations with the knowledge and skills required to strengthen quality assurance, proficiency testing, and accreditation processes.
This training served as a prime example of collaboration between European and Pacific partners, bridging expertise from international standards with the unique environmental and resource challenges faced by laboratories in the region.
What the Training Covered
JNP Fiji Limited delivered a comprehensive, hands-on training program, combining theory, practical sessions, and applied case studies to help participants implement ISO 17025 quality assurance standards in their respective laboratories. The program included:
Quality Assurance of Microbiological Test Results – Establishing robust internal controls, use of reference materials, and proficiency testing participation.
Quality Assurance of Culture Media – Ensuring media sterility, performance validation, and adherence to ISO 11133 standards.
Equipment Management in Microbiology – Proper calibration, maintenance, and verification of laboratory instruments.
General Requirements for Microbiology Laboratories – Sampling techniques, waste management, and biosafety measures.
Impact & Legacy
Strengthened laboratory capacity across seven Pacific Island nations, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Empowered scientists with the skills to conduct internal audits, validate test methods, and maintain accreditation.
Fostered cross-regional collaboration, enabling knowledge-sharing between Pacific laboratories and European accreditation bodies.
Partners: European Development Fund (EDF), Fiji Government, South Pacific Commission and the University of the South Pacific