Platform for emerging Pacific scholars launched at inaugural congress

Apia, Samoa —The Pacific Academy of Sciences will convene its inaugural Congress from 16 to 18 February 2026, marking a landmark gathering for science in the Pacific and the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences’ Young Academy, a new platform to support and amplify emerging Pacific researchers.

Held under the theme “Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific”, the Congress will bring together researchers, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders and partners from across the Pacific and globally to address critical scientific challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, and to strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and Pacific research capability.

The Congress will formally be opened by the Hon Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister of Samoa. The opening ceremony will also include a Samoan ʻAva Ceremony, grounding the gathering in Pacific cultural practice.

“This Congress represents a commitment to Pacific-led science that values Indigenous wisdom alongside contemporary research and ensures Pacific voices shape regional and global agendas,” said President of the Pacific Academy of Sciences Professor Teatulohi Matainaho.

The opening keynote will be delivered by Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, followed by the induction of the Academy’s 2025 Fellows.

Dr Piukala highlighted the importance of Pacific leadership in knowledge and health systems, especially for Pacific communities.

“As the saying goes, ‘Nothing for us without us’,” noted Dr Piukala. “A child of the Pacific myself, from the Kingdom of Tonga, I know how critical it is for Pacific health systems, policies and programmes to be grounded in our regional culture and ethos, combining home-grown and international knowledge and experience for optimal impact and results as we seek to achieve Health for All.”

Launching new initiatives for Pacific researchers

The Congress will also mark the launch of several key initiatives aimed at building long-term Pacific research capability:

• The Pacific Academy of Sciences Young Academy, to mentor and support early- and mid-career Pacific researchers.

• The New Zealand–funded Tupaia Research Grants, supporting Indigenous Pacific early-career researchers.

• The UNESCO-funded Pacific Research Hub, providing open access to data and collaborative research networks.

“Our future generations will one day be the custodians of what we leave behind. It is important that the knowledge and perspectives of emerging Pacific researchers are embedded in our systems today to strengthen our collective capacity and ensure the systems in place are enabling researchers to thrive. The establishment of the Young Academy provides a vital mechanism for Pacific researchers to engage meaningfully in international science,” Professor Matainaho said.

Masterclasses for emerging researchers, panel discussions and collaborative sessions will further support knowledge exchange and regional partnerships.

Over 200 delegates are expected at the Congress, including ministers from Samoa and Papua New Guinea, regional and international partners, leading academics, emerging researchers and Indigenous knowledge holders.

Partnership and support

The establishment of the Pacific Academy of Sciences and its inaugural Congress have been made possible through the generous support of key partners committed to Pacific science leadership.

The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources, through the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, has provided foundational support for the Academy’s establishment, governance development, and support for the Congress.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation has generously supported the Congress convening and with travel grants.