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 and mid-career Pacific researchers
Pacific Futures brings together emerging and mid-career researchers, innovators and knowledge holders from across the region, as part of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.
We support researchers to build capability, leadership, networks and collaboration, while strengthening Pacific-led knowledge, visibility and contribution to the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
SCOPE OF WORK
Six areas of work
01
Strategic leadership and planning
Developing, implementing and reviewing the Pacific Futures Strategic Plan, while aligned with Pacific Futures and Pacific Academy of Sciences.
02
Pacific-led research and knowledge
Supporting Pacific-led, culturally grounded research and strengthening the recognition and responsible use of Indigenous, traditional and local knowledge systems.
03
Leadership and research capability
Providing mentoring, professional development, peer learning and research capability opportunities for emerging and mid-career Pacific researchers.
04
Collaboration and regional partnerships
Strengthening interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration and building sustainable partnerships across institutions, sectors and Pacific communities.
05
Policy, engagement and visibility
Mobilising Pacific research and knowledge into policy, practice and community outcomes, while increasing visibility of Pacific research and scholarship.
06
Governance and accountability
Providing strategic oversight, monitoring progress, and maintaining transparent and accountable governance across Pacific Futures activities.
HOW WE WORK
Guiding principles
Pacific Futures operates in accordance with the values and principles of the Pacific Academy of Sciences.
Pacific-led leadership and decision-making
Respect for Indigenous and local knowledge systems
Scientific excellence and integrity
Collaboration, reciprocity and collective advancement
Intergenerational mentorship and stewardship
Inclusivity and diversity across the region
Service to Pacific peoples and communities
Accountability, transparency, and ethical engagement
Nurturing relationships and collective responsibility
PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
How we plan, deliver and review work
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
Sets Pacific Futures' multi-year strategic direction, aligned with the vision and priorities of the Academy.
2
Annual Costed Workplan
Translates strategic priorities into activities, responsibilities, timelines and resource requirements.
3
Deliver
Programmes, partnerships and initiatives are implemented across Pacific Futures' strategic priority areas.
4
Monitor and Report
Progress, outcomes and deliverables are monitored and reported through Pacific Futures' governance processes.
5
Review
Progress is reviewed against the Strategic Plan and Annual Costed Workplan, with Terms of Reference reviewed as required to ensure governance arrangements remain fit for purposes
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.
The Co-Chairs are elected by the Reference Group and generally serve a two years 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 for the Reference Group, along with our Strategic Plan, Mentoring Programme guides, policy, statements and reports, in the document library.