Presented by Fofonga and the Pacific Australia Research Centre (PARC)
AAPS25 Conference | Sydney | Case Study Lecture Theatre 1170

This dynamic panel, co-led by Fofonga (University of Auckland) and PARC (Pacific Australia Research Centre), brought together Pacific research leaders to explore bold futures for Pacific research leadership and management. Chaired by Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei, Ioana Hill, Inez Fainga’a-Manu Sione, Ruth (Lute) Faleolo, Dion Enari, and Tagaloa Glenda Stanley, the session challenged current institutional practices and championed Pacific-led, community-grounded research futures.

The talanoa-style panel opened space to discuss:

• Pacific research governance, leadership, and capability-building

• Pacific data sovereignty and emerging ethical practices

• Co-designed, community-embedded research methodologies

• The critical role of Pacific knowledge holders in shaping research outputs

Highlighting papers such as “Fofonga: Enabling Pacific-led Research” and “Forging Our Own: Life After the PhD”, the session shared experiences of navigating and transforming academic systems from within — for Pacific, by Pacific.

The panel invited dialogue across disciplines and geographies, welcoming other First Nations and Indigenous voices to contribute to a shared vision for a more just and culturally responsive research future.