ABOUT PACIFIC FUTURES
Our Story
Pacific Futures was established at the Pacific Academy of Sciences Congress in Samoa in February 2026, where early-career researchers came together around shared experiences, challenges, and aspirations for Pacific research.
Initially formed as the “Young Academy”, the group soon developed a clearer structure, broader participation and a stronger regional focus. As this vision evolved, so too did our identity. Recognising that our purpose is not defined by age, but by the futures we seek to shape, we became Pacific Futures.
Today, Pacific Futures is building a connected and collaborative community of early and mid-career researchers, ground in generations of Pacific knowledge and committed to strengthening and research capability, leadership and impact across the region.
Who We Are
Pacific Futures brings together early and mid-career researchers, innovators, and community leaders from across the Pacific region. We are committed to strengthening Pacific research capability and leadership, visibility and participation in policy and decision-making.
Central to our purpose is advancing the recognition of Pacific-generated evidence, Pacific research methodologies and Indigenous knowledge systems as rigorous and valuable forms of knowledge in their own right.
We recognise the structural challenges facing researchers across the region, including limited funding, infrastructure and opportunities for connection. Pacific Futures responds by strengthening networks, capability, collaboration and pathways for research leadership.
Our governance reflects the same principles we seek to advance; transparency, accountability, inclusion and meaningful Pacific participation in decisions that shape our region.
Vision and Mission
Our Vision
A thriving, connected and influential community of Pacific emerging and mid-career researchers, innovators and knowledge holders advancing Pacific-led knowledge, leadership and solutions for the wellbeing of the Pacific peoples and the region.
Our Mission
To strengthen Pacific scientific leadership, collaboration and impact by supporting emerging and mid-career researchers, promoting indigenous knowledge systems, and advancing evidence-informed engagement for Pacific communities, policy and regional priorities.
Strategic Objectives
Our Strategic Plan 2026-2028 is organised around four themes:
Strategic Theme 1: Pacific Scientific Leadership
Strengthen leadership capabilities, opportunities, and pathways for emerging and mid-career Pacific researchers, scholars, innovators, and knowledge holders in regional and international scientific, policy, and public forums
Promote recognition of Pacific scholarship, scientific innovation, and contributions to Pacific communities
Strategic Theme 2: Indigenous and Pacific Knowledge Systems
Advance the recognition and use of Pacific research approaches, Indigenous knowledge systems, scholarship and innovation.
Promote ethical engagement between scientific research and Indigenous knowledge systems
Support Pacific-led approaches to research, innovation, and knowledge exchange
Encourage culturally grounded and community-responsive research practices
Promote the recognition, protection, and responsible use of Indigenous, traditional, and local knowledge systems
Strategic Theme 3: Collaboration and Capacity Building
Strengthen interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and cross-regional collaboration among Pacific scholars, researchers, and knowledge holders
Support mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities
Strengthen PF membership engagement and formalise pathways into PAS Emerging Researcher membership, including recruitment, onboarding, participation, retention, and member value
Build sustainable partnerships across institutions and sectors
Strategic Theme 4: Community, Policy and Regional Impact
Advance Pacific science policy, education, and public engagement
Contribute evidence-informed perspectives to Pacific priorities and regional challenges
Strengthen communication between science, communities, and decision-makers
Support knowledge mobilisation and the translation of research into policy, practice, and community outcomes
Participation in regional symposia, consultations, and public engagement events that support sciences communication and knowledge mobilisation
Who Can Join
If you’re an emerging, early or mid-career researcher, innovator, or professional with roots in the Pacific, there’s a place for you here, whatever your discipline, whatever your institution or lack of one.
We’re looking for people who ask good questions, who back their work with evidence, and who respect where their knowledge comes from, whether that’s a lab, a library, or a conversation with an elder. If you want your work to influence real decisions for the Pacific, you already qualify.
Membership sits within the Pacific Academy of Sciences. Full eligibility details and the application are just a click away.
DOCUMENTS
Strategic Plan 2026-2028
Read the full Strategic Plan, along with our Reference Group Terms of Reference, Mentoring Programme guides, policy, statements and reports, in the document library.