Landmark Pacific Academy of Sciences inaugural Congress in Sāmoa

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland will play a prominent role at the Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress, taking place in Apia Sāmoa, this week, 16 to 18 February. The landmark gathering will shape the future of Pacific led science, regional research collaboration and resilience across island nations.

The first ever congress brings together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders and early career researchers from across the region and the diaspora, united in a shared mission: to strengthen Pacific scientific leadership and respond collectively to the region’s most urgent challenges.

The University of Auckland delegation includes:

• Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield, keynote speaker
• Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, newly inducted fellow, Chair Pacific Academy of Sciences Board
• Professor Yvonne Underhill Sem, newly inducted fellow
• Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia Siau, Pacific Academy of Sciences foundation fellow, senior Pacific academic leader and a moderator.
• Liamanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, Executive Director Pacific Academy of Sciences, Senior Research Fellow and presenter on Climate, Health and Resilience in the Pacific
  

A milestone for Pacific led scientific leadership

The establishment of the Pacific Academy of Sciences in 2024 marked a significant moment in the region’s scientific history. It's designed to elevate Pacific expertise, champion Indigenous and local knowledge systems and strengthen research capacity.

The Academy provides a platform where Pacific scientists lead on Pacific issues with 13 new fellows being inducted today including from the University: Dame Teuila Percival, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga and Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem.

Chair of the Pacific Academy of Sciences board Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga said the Inaugural Congress signalled a major development and new era for Pacific scholarship.

“This congress signals a new era for Pacific science, one where our region sets the agenda, builds capacity on our terms, and turns research into solutions that serve our people. The Academy is about Pacific excellence in action: collaborative, values driven, and accountable to our communities.”

Dame Teuila says it was important to have an Academy of Sciences that was, “for Pacific, by Pacific, in the Pacific and led by Pacific, finding our solutions and telling our stories but critically setting the strategy and direction".

She says one of her great research heroes is the great late Professor Sitaleki Finau.

“He always spoke of the importance of us doing and leading our own research, holding our own data, and the need to address research imperialism. The Pacific Academy of Sciences does just that.”

Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem is a Pacific feminist development geographer whose work examines how gender, climate and labour mobility, embodiment, and Pacific led research methodologies shape social, cultural and political life across the region. She was honoured to be inducted as a fellow to the Academy and for her work to receive global recognition.

“Pacific research has always been deeply relational. The Academy recognises that knowledge is held in people, place, and practice. Our charge is to connect rigorous science with the lived realities of Pacific communities, especially women and girls in all their diversities, and those most affected by climate and economic change.”

Addressing the region’s most pressing challenges

The Congress will focus on coordinated, Pacific driven responses to critical issues including:

• Climate change and climate justice
• Ocean health and marine protection
• Regional health security and non communicable diseases
• Biodiversity loss and environmental governance
• Science capacity building and research sovereignty

Sir Ashley Bloomfield is one of the keynote speakers adding his mana and gravitas to the historical event.

“Pacific nations are on the front line of climate and health challenges. Evidence informed policy, strong regional institutions, and genuine partnership with Pacific researchers and communities will be essential to build resilience and protect well-being across generations.”

Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia Siau is a foundation fellow having been inducted to the Pacific Academy of Sciences in 2024 during its launch in Apia. She is also a moderator for the Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress.

“Pacific led science serves to centre our values, alofa, aroha, tautua (service) reciprocity, and the integrity of the sacred space that connects us to all things, seen and unseen – the vā, ensuring Indigenous knowledge systems stands alongside scientific methods, and translates research into real, equitable outcomes for our peoples.”

Climate, health and resilience session

Liamanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu will present on “Climate, Health and Resilience in the Pacific,” highlighting how climate driven events intensify health risks across the region and outlining Pacific led approaches that combine community knowledge, data and systems level partnerships to strengthen preparedness, response and long term wellbeing.

“Resilience in the Pacific is built through relationships, between communities, clinicians, researchers and policymakers,” said Dr Ng Shiu. “By centring Pacific knowledge and strengthening regional health systems, we can translate climate science into practical actions that protect lives today and safeguard futures across our island nations.”

Nurturing the next generation

The building of Pacific expertise will be evident with the new generation of Pacific researchers including the University’s doctoral researcher Roi Burnett and Asetoa Sam Pilisi.

“It’s both humbling and powerful to learn, contribute, and be mentored in a space led by Pacific scientists. The Academy shows us that building knowledge and building futures go hand in hand — a value our communities have always had," says Roi Burnett.