The International Science Council Regional Focal Point Asia–Pacific (ISC RF AP), in partnership with the Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN), is proud to announce the recipients of the first-ever TUPU Pacific Research Grants.
This new initiative is designed to spark innovative ideas and bridge research efforts between Pacific universities and their Australian counterparts. Funded by the ISC RF AP and implemented by the PIURN Secretariat, the program aims to advance solutions to the region’s most pressing ecological and developmental challenges.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The program has generated considerable interest, with 31 project submissions from scholars and researchers across the region. A Selection Committee, gathering experts from PIURN Member Universities and Australian Universities, evaluated the proposals based on scientific rigor, the quality of partnerships, and alignment with Pacific priorities (2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent).
“The Pacific is on the frontline of climate change, and this program ensures the science responding to that crisis is led by Pacific researchers and their deep understanding of the challenges we face,” indicated Ronit Prawer, Director of the ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific. “By working together across countries, institutions, and disciplines, we can support research that is both locally driven and globally significant. These inaugural Tupu grant recipients represent innovative, community-driven work aimed at tackling these challenges from the ground up.”
After thorough deliberation, the 6 following projects have been selected as recipients:
- Decentralized Bioconversion of Pacific Organic Waste into Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) and Advanced Bio Fuels – Led by Papua New Guinea University of Technology, in partnership with University of Goroka, University of the South Pacific, University of New South Wales
- Integrated Satellite-Underwater Drone System for Coral Reef Monitoring and Climate Resilience – Led by The University of the South Pacific in partnership with University of Fiji, Charles Stuart University, KLS Gogte Institute of Technology
- Women Powering Circularity in the Pacific: Strengthening Regional Capacity for Climate Resilient Communities – Led by University of New Caledonia, in partnership with University of French Polynesia and Western Sydney University
- Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Fiji and Tonga: A blue economy perspective – Led by Fiji National University, in partnership with Tonga National University, University of Sunshine Coast, University of Auckland
- Nature-Based Solutions for Water Security in Bauxite-Rich Atolls: A Pilot Study on Wagina Island Focus Area – Led by Solomon Islands National University, in partnership with Papua New Guinea University of Technology and Australian National University
- Heat, humidity and child health: Gathering baseline data on the impacts of heat, humidity and climate change on school children in the Pacific – Led by National University of Samoa, in partnership with The University of the South Pacific and University of Sydney
A New Era of Collaboration
The high quality of submissions reflects a growing dedication to advancing Pacific-led research.
“Thanks to the ISC, the TUPU Pacific Research Grants program has enabled the emergence of a significant number of multidisciplinary projects arising from rich collaborations that mobilize the diverse expertise of PIURN members,” said Catherine Ris, President of the University of New Caledonia-Chair of PIURN and Chair of the Selection Committee. “The selection committee faced a challenging task, and the projects ultimately chosen embody a strong partnership dynamic that addresses regional priorities.”
The ISC RF AP and PIURN extends their heartfelt congratulations to all the successful nominees and their respective universities. The PIURN Secretariat looks forward to the impactful research outcomes these projects will generate and wish all recipients continued success in their endeavors.