The Pacific Academy of Sciences held its inaugural Congress on 16-18th February, in Apia (Samoa), on the theme “Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific”. This high-level scientific event gathered eminent scholars from the region, students, academics to present their research findings, to discuss knowledge gap and to foster scientific cooperation in the region.
Thirteen new Fellows were induced on the first day of the Congress, among them, five researchers from PIURN Member Universities have been distinguished:
-
- Associate Professor Eric Katovai, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Solomon Islands National University
- Professor Sushil Kumar, The University of the South Pacific
- Professor Ora Renagi, Vice-Chancellor, Papua New Guinea University of Technology
- Professor Bibhya Sharma, Head of School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, The University of the South Pacific
- Dr Donald Wilson, Associate Dean of Research, Fiji National University
The Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN) Secretariat extends its heartfelt congratulations to the new elected Fellows.
Under the session “Capacity Building”, the PIURN Coordinator, Mrs Mathilde Souchon, had the opportunity to present the work of the network. Academic and scientific regional cooperation being at the core of the PIURN, the presentation underscored the transformative potential of the network for Higher Education Institutions across the region.
It also highlighted the successes in securing funding opportunities, such as the TUPU Grants, PIURN Call for Proposals, and Pacific Women Lead. Additionally, it emphasized key academic initiatives, including the Summer Institute and the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme between universities, showcasing the achievements of PIURN and its members. Future opportunities for impactful growth were identified, such as Horizon Europe to build Pacific consortia with PIURN Member Universities and their New Zealand and Australian counterparts.
By enabling research, PIURN demonstrates the critical value of regional collaboration within the research landscape, aiming to develop sustainable solutions that address the unique needs of Pacific communities.
The Inaugural Congress provided a platform to discuss the possible pathways between the Pacific Academy of Sciences and PIURN, aiming amplify and complement their efforts in strengthening Pacific knowledge and research ecosystem, while ensuring Pacific voices are shaping the regional agenda.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences was officially launched in October 2024, and was implemented with the support of the Establishment Committee. The Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN) Coordinator was designated as an Observer Member to the committee.