The inaugural Congress of the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS), held from February 16 to 18, 2026, in Apia, Samoa, marks a pivotal moment for regional scientific collaboration and leadership. Hosted at the Taumeasina Island Resort, this landmark event under the theme "Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific" brought together over 200 delegates including scientists, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders, and early-career researchers from across the Pacific and beyond. For New Zealand's higher education sector, the presence of a high-profile delegation from the University of Auckland underscored the growing role of Kiwi institutions in fostering Pacific-led research initiatives that address pressing challenges like climate change, ocean health, and health security.

Waipapa Taumata Rau, as the University of Auckland is known in te reo Māori, has long championed Pacific excellence through its Ala o le Moana strategy, which emphasizes authentic partnerships with Pacific communities. The congress provided a platform to elevate Pasifika voices in global science, integrating Indigenous knowledge systems—such as the Samoan concept of vā, the sacred relational space connecting people, places, and the environment—with modern methodologies. This gathering not only celebrated Pacific research sovereignty but also paved the way for collaborative solutions tailored to the unique needs of island nations.

🌺 Origins and Mission of the Pacific Academy of Sciences

The Pacific Academy of Sciences was officially launched in October 2024 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, becoming the first regional body dedicated to advancing natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, technology, and Indigenous knowledge for the benefit of Pacific peoples. Headquartered in Apia, Samoa, PAS aims to counter historical research imperialism by prioritizing "for Pacific, by Pacific, in the Pacific, and led by Pacific" approaches. Its establishment addresses long-standing gaps in regional science capacity, where Pacific Island countries have often been subjects rather than leaders in knowledge production.

PAS's mission is to unite Pacific scholars across disciplines, influence evidence-based policymaking, and amplify regional voices on global stages. Founding efforts were co-chaired by figures like Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, highlighting the academy's commitment to values like alofa (love and compassion in Samoan) and aroha (empathy in Māori), alongside scientific rigor. By 2026, PAS had elected multiple cohorts of fellows, with the inaugural congress serving as the formal induction site for the 2025 group of 13 eminent researchers.

• Empower emerging scholars through mentorship and grants.
• Integrate Indigenous wisdom with data-driven science.
• Foster interdisciplinary solutions to climate, health, and biodiversity crises.

This foundation positions PAS as a cornerstone for sustainable development across the 26 member countries and territories of organizations like the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Key Themes and Programme Highlights

The congress programme spanned three intensive days, featuring keynotes, panels, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to build capacity and forge partnerships. Opening with a traditional Samoan ʻAva Ceremony led by Prime Minister Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, the event set a tone of cultural reverence and collective resolve. Subsequent sessions delved into critical areas: climate resilience, marine protection, non-communicable diseases, biodiversity conservation, and environmental governance.

Delegates engaged in discussions on translating research into policy, with a focus on Pacific health security amid rising climate-induced risks. For instance, presentations explored how extreme weather events exacerbate health vulnerabilities, advocating for community-led data collection combined with global partnerships. The programme also included specialized tracks for early-career researchers, emphasizing mentorship to nurture the next generation of Pacific scientists.

Practical outcomes emerged from collaborative workshops, where participants outlined steps for research sovereignty: first, inventorying local knowledge systems; second, developing ethical governance frameworks; third, securing funding for Pacific-hosted infrastructure; and fourth, disseminating findings through open-access platforms.

University of Auckland's Stellar Delegation

The University of Auckland's delegation exemplified New Zealand's commitment to Pacific higher education partnerships. Leading the group was Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield, former Director-General of Health, who delivered a compelling keynote on evidence-informed policy for climate and health resilience. He stressed that "Pacific nations are on the frontline of these challenges," calling for strong regional institutions and genuine collaborations.

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Chair of the PAS Board and newly inducted fellow, described the event as heralding "a new era for Pacific science." Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival and Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem, both new fellows, brought expertise in public health and feminist geography, respectively. Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, a foundation fellow, moderated sessions and emphasized centering Pacific values like tautua (service). Liamanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, PAS Executive Director and UoA Senior Research Fellow, presented on climate-health intersections.

Emerging talents like doctoral student Roi Burnett and researcher Asetoa Sam Pilisi represented the next wave, gaining invaluable exposure in a Pacific-led environment.

Groundbreaking Announcements and Initiatives

The congress unveiled several milestones advancing Pacific research infrastructure. A highlight was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Auckland and SPREP, announced on February 16. This partnership targets joint research in marine science, biodiversity, climate action, and capacity-building, building on prior events like the 2025 Oceanic Seabird Symposium hosted by UoA.

SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra noted the collaboration's potential to mobilize resources for a resilient Blue Pacific. UoA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater affirmed it aligns with Ala o le Moana, fostering workforce development for Pacific scholars.Read more on the UoA-SPREP MoU

Other launches included the PAS Young Academy for early- and mid-career mentorship, New Zealand-funded Tupaia Research Grants for Indigenous researchers, and the UNESCO-backed Pacific Research Hub—an AI-powered platform offering open-access data and networks. Samoa's Minister of Education and Culture, Aiono Prof. Alec Ekeroma, officiated the hub's debut, positioning it as the region's first such tool for collaborative innovation.Explore PAS initiatives

New Fellows: Elevating Pacific Expertise

Thirteen new fellows were inducted, recognizing leaders driving Pacific innovation. From the University of Auckland: Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga (public health and policy), Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival (epidemiology and Pacific health), and Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem (gender and climate geographies). Other honorees included Professor Bibhya Sharma (Fiji, science education), Sushil Kumar (Fiji, STEM), and Donald Wilson (Fiji National University, public health).

These fellowships honor contributions like Underhill-Sem's work linking knowledge to "people, place, and practice," particularly for women impacted by climate shifts. Induction reinforces PAS's role in building a cadre of experts accountable to Pacific communities.

Implications for New Zealand Higher Education

For New Zealand universities, the congress signals expanded opportunities in trans-Pacific research. Institutions like the University of Auckland can leverage PAS networks for funding, student exchanges, and joint projects, enhancing NZ's position as a Pacific hub. This aligns with national priorities for equitable outcomes in higher education, where Māori and Pasifika participation rates, though improving, lag global averages at around 20-25% in some fields.

Challenges like research funding constraints and brain drain are mitigated through regional alliances, enabling shared infrastructure like the Pacific Research Hub. NZ's support via Tupaia Grants exemplifies constructive leadership, potentially inspiring similar investments in university jobs in New Zealand focused on Pacific studies.

• Increased PhD supervision and postdoctoral positions in climate-health.
• Policy influence on NZ aid for Pacific resilience.
• Curriculum integration of Indigenous methodologies.

Career Opportunities and Actionable Insights

Aspiring academics and professionals will find fertile ground in PAS-driven initiatives. Early-career researchers can apply for Young Academy membership, Tupaia Grants, or SPREP-UoA programs, offering pathways from master's to fellowships. Practical steps include: networking at future congresses, publishing in Pacific-led journals, and pursuing certifications in ethical research involving Indigenous communities.

New Zealanders interested in these fields should explore higher education jobs at institutions prioritizing Pacific engagement, or consult higher ed career advice for tailoring CVs to regional roles. Opportunities abound in marine biology, public health, and environmental policy, with salaries for lecturers starting at NZ$115,000 annually.

Photo by Jacob R Vamseedhar G on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Resilient Pacific Through Science

Looking ahead, PAS positions the Pacific to lead on global issues, from COP climate negotiations to WHO health strategies. Follow-on actions include annual congresses, expanded grants, and digital hubs accelerating data sharing. For NZ higher education, sustained investment promises reciprocal benefits: enriched research outputs, diverse talent pipelines, and strengthened diplomatic ties.

As Professor Tukuitonga noted, this is "Pacific excellence in action." Stakeholders can contribute by advocating for funding, mentoring emerging scholars, or joining platforms like Rate My Professor to share insights on Pacific-focused courses.

In summary, the inaugural congress not only celebrated achievements but ignited a movement for self-determined science. Explore university jobs, higher ed jobs, and career advice to get involved in this transformative era.