APIA, SAMOA – 16 February 2026 – The Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS) today announced two historic milestones for Pacific research and innovation at its inaugural Congress, launching the region’s first AI-powered research platform alongside a comprehensive assessment of R&D investment across ten Pacific nations.
Pacific Research Hub goes live
Launched by Hon Aiono Prof Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s Minister of Education and Culture, the Pacific Research Hub (www.pacificresearchhub.org) is the first Pacific-specific online research platform powered by artificial intelligence.
Designed by Pacific software engineer Sonny Lemalu in collaboration with PAS, the open-science platform enables researchers, academics and practitioners across the Pacific to connect, collaborate, and share their work. Inspired by ResearchGate, its integrated AI capabilities help users discover Pacific research, identify collaborators, and access regional knowledge that is often difficult to make visible.
“This digital hub combines cutting-edge technology with Pacific leadership and ownership,” said Professor Ioana Chan Mow, PAS Fellow and ICT expert.
“It gives us great pride to launch this platform as a start-up project. It exemplifies Pacific-led excellence that contributes to knowledge sharing that benefits our people”, Professor Chan Mow said. “However, additional investment is needed to allow us to build a platform that is sustainable for all Pacific scientists globally.”
Research reveals critical R&D capacity needs
The Congress also launched “An Assessment of Research and Development Investment and Capacity in Ten Pacific Small Island Developing States,” a UNESCO-funded report examining Research and Development ecosystems across Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9.5; Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation, the report
provides the first baseline assessment of R&D investment and human capacity across these nations.
Key findings include:
- Low and fragmented national R&D investment, with most developments funded by donors and overseas aid which impacts sustainability
- Significant capacity variations influenced by small populations, limited resources, and geographic isolation
- Growing research outputs in climate change, environment, biodiversity, agriculture, and health
- Few dedicated national R&D policies, with research primarily sectoral-based
“This report is very timely given we have not had this data before,” said Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, head of PAS Secretariat and report lead. “Now, equipped with this information, policymakers can make informed decisions to bolster the research capacity of their Island states and ultimately improve the science ecosystem of our region.”
Recommendations focus on developing national R&D and science, technology and innovation policies, enhancing cross-sector partnerships, building digital infrastructure for data management, and prioritizing gender-inclusive capacity building through regional networks.
Note: A draft of the report can be shared under embargo with journalists. Please contact the media person on the details below to arrange.
About the Congress
The Pacific Academy of Sciences’ Inaugural Congress brings together researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders from 16-18 February 2026 at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia, Samoa. Guest speakers include Hon La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister of Samoa, along with regional ministers, scientists, and international partners.
The establishment of the Pacific Academy of Sciences and its inaugural Congress have been made possible through the generous support of key partners committed to Pacific science leadership.
The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources, through the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, has provided foundational support for the Academy’s establishment, governance development, and support for the Congress.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation has generously supported the Congress convening and with travel grants.
Interviews can be arranged upon request. Contact Wendy Wakwella:
email: wendy.wakwella@science.org.au
Whatsapp: (+61) 426 169 109