A Pacific woman making siapo barkcloth with a wooden beater in an open village work shelter

PACIFIC FUTURES

What We Do

We bring evidence-based research and Indigenous knowledge to inform policy, strengthen scientific capacity for Pacific peoples.

A Pacific woman making siapo barkcloth with a wooden beater in an open village work shelter

PACIFIC FUTURES

What We Do

We bring evidence-based research and Indigenous knowledge to inform policy, strengthen scientific capacity for Pacific peoples.

OUR PURPOSE

A pathway for emerging Pacific researchers

Pacific Futures is the collective voice and action body for young and emerging scholars across the Pacific, established within the Pacific Academy of Sciences.

We provide a pathway to mentor and support early and mid career researchers dedicated to addressing the complex challenges and opportunities of the Pacific region.

SCOPE OF WORK

Six areas of work

01

Strategic leadership and planning

Developing, implementing and reviewing the Pacific Futures Strategic Plan and Annual Costed Workplan, aligned with the priorities of the Academy.

02

Research, knowledge mobilisation and policy impact

Promoting Pacific led research and translating evidence into policy dialogue, public engagement and community impact.

03

Leadership development and capacity building

Mentorship, peer learning and training that grows the leadership capability of emerging Pacific researchers.

04

Collaboration, partnerships and regional engagement

Building partnerships with universities, research institutes, community organisations and regional bodies across the Pacific.

05

Outreach, communication and visibility

Raising the visibility of Pacific scholarship through science communication, public engagement and our members’ achievements.

06

Governance and accountability

Reporting on progress, monitoring deliverables, and advising the Academy Council on matters affecting emerging researchers.

HOW WE WORK

Guiding principles

Pacific Futures operates in accordance with the values and principles of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.

Respect for Pacific cultures, languages, values and knowledge systems

Integrity, transparency and accountability

Inclusivity and diversity across the Pacific region

Collaboration, reciprocity and collective leadership

Service to Pacific peoples and communities

Intergenerational mentorship and stewardship

Scientific excellence alongside cultural responsibility

PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

How the work cycles

Our priorities are planned, delivered, reported and reviewed on a repeating cycle, so what we learn in one year shapes the next.

1

Strategic Plan

A multi-year plan aligned with the vision and priorities of the Academy.

2

Annual Costed Workplan

Priorities, activities, resourcing and responsibilities set for the year.

3

Deliver

Programmes, events, partnerships and capacity building across the region.

4

Report

Regular updates to the PAS Council on progress, outcomes and impact.

5

Review

Progress measured against deliverables, and the Terms of Reference reviewed.

What we learn in the review feeds directly into the next Strategic Plan

What we learn in the review feeds directly into the next Strategic Plan

GOVERNANCE

How we are governed

Pacific Futures operates under the strategic oversight of the Pacific Academy of Sciences Council, with delegated responsibility for delivering its approved priorities and annual activities.

PAS
Board

PAS
Council

PAS
Secretariat

PAS
Members

Sub-Committees &
Working Groups

PAS Council
Oversight Group

Pacific Futures
Reference Group

Pacific Futures
members

PAS Board

PAS Council

PAS Council Oversight Group

Pacific Futures Reference Group

Pacific Futures members

The Academy also includes its Secretariat, members, and sub-committees and working groups.

The Chair is elected by the Reference Group and generally serves a two year term. Members are appointed for two years, balanced across Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and the wider Pacific diaspora.

DOCUMENTS

Terms of Reference

Read the full Terms of Reference, along with our strategic plans, policy, statements and reports, in the document library.