
Taking into consideration its core role as the premier institution of higher education in the South Pacific region producing and disseminating new knowledge via research and innovation, the needs of its member countries, and its current and potential capacity, The University of the South Pacific has identified four strategic research themes that are derived from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (2015 – 2030) and underpinned by Innovation, Empowerment & Sustainability:
Theme 1: Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Economies
This theme focuses on SDGs 1, 8, 9, and 11. Research under this theme will strengthen the University’s contribution to an understanding of pathways to development that are based upon the eradication of poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth and the creation of full and productive employment and decent work for all, together with the building of the social protection systems that can assist in managing the risks faced by Pacific Island countries.
Theme 2: Oceans, Ecosystems & Climate Resilience
This theme focuses on SDGs 6, 13, 14 and 15. Through the translation of research into actionable innovations and interventions, the University has a key role to play in promoting a scientific base for decision-making that is relevant to the needs of Pacific Island countries. This includes strengthening the inter-relationship between traditional knowledge and modern science and building a better understanding of the social contexts, impacts, and resilience to the challenges that the region faces.
Conservation and sustainability in the use the oceans and marine resources are central concerns to the development of resilient Pacific communities and we will, through our research and innovation, seek to understand and work in partnership with regional and national stakeholders and communities to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems, and limit biodiversity loss. It is well recognised that urgent action is needed to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy and the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Theme 3: Education, Culture, Health & Wellbeing
This theme focuses on SDGs 2, 3 and 4. Education has been identified by Pacific Leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) as fundamental to sustainable development and wellbeing across the region. The University has a central role to play in executing this strategy through its research on teacher education, improving delivery of pre-service and in-service teacher training, and the development of innovative actions and interventions for the enhancement of educational opportunities and outcomes. In addition, the threats faced by the region in respect to food and water security, as well as those resulting from NCDs mean that finding effective approaches to good nutrition, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the improvement health and wellbeing through sports and physical exercise are all critically dependent on the quality of research in these areas and its translation into sound policy and practice.
Theme 4: Governance, Justice and Equality
This theme focuses on SDGs 5, 10, 16 and 17 which includes the achievement of gender equality and female participation in society. It aims to reduce income inequality and the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development based on access to justice for all and the building of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Theme 5: Innovation, Empowerment and Sustainability
This cross-cutting theme will be integrated into all the transdisciplinary themes. Translating research into sustainable outcomes that make a difference whether by way of new inventions, products or creative ways of seeing solutions to problems is at the core of what the University will contribute to the continuing development and empowerment of the Pacific region and its peoples.