Programs & Projects

Pacific Research Program

Pacific Research Program

Phase 2

The Lowy Institute is a member of the consortium delivering Pacific Research Program – Phase 2 (PRP II). Co-funded by DFAT and the consortium partners’ parent bodies, PRP II (2022-26) will generate and disseminate independent Pacific-focussed research as a regional public good, and support stronger evidence-based policy making in the Pacific by working to foster stronger research practice and deeper research-to-knowledge engagement.

As with Phase 1 (2017-22), PRP II is being delivered by a consortium consisting of the Lowy Institute and two entities within the Australian National University College of Asia and the Pacific – the Department of Pacific Affairs (consortia lead) and the Development Policy Centre.

PRP II will build on Phase I of the program to foster strong partnerships between Australian and Pacific universities, and teach and train the next generation of Pacific researchers. Over the next four years, PRP II will also take forward new and ongoing research in key priority areas of Gender, Inclusion and Social Change; Labour Mobility and Integration; Politics, Governance and Economic Resilience; Papua New Guinea (and Bougainville) and Security, Regionalism and Geopolitics.

With these focus areas in mind, the overall goal of PRP II is: ‘To deepen Australia-Pacific research & education partnerships that support evidence-based policy-making for the Pacific’.

PRP II will focus on the achievement of three End-of-Program Outcomes that together contribute to the overarching goal. These End-of-Program Outcomes can also be considered pillars of the program, these include:

  • Pillar 1. Better Informed Pacific Policy Makers (Research-to-Knowledge pillar) – this will see Pacific policy makers develop a deeper understanding of the Pacific development context and regional geo-politics, have greater access to quality independent research that supports evidence-based policy making, and deeper engagement with researchers.
  • Pillar 2. Stronger Pacific Research Partnerships and Practice (Pacific Partnerships pillar) – this will see Pacific researchers and institutions better equipped to undertake, manage and drive Pacific research, deliver quality research outputs and establish and maintain vibrant research networks and communities of practice.
  • Pillar 3. Greater Pacific Awareness (Pacific Awareness pillar) – this will see PRP research and analysis contributing to public debate and reaching a broader audience.

The Institute will contribute to the PRP across multiple areas, but will continue to focus on its strengths of production of policy-relevant research, communication of research to broader audiences, media engagement, and engagement with the broader Australian community on the Pacific.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Nonresident Fellow
Nonresident Fellow
Nonresident Fellow
The Translator: “Friends to all”
Commentary
The Translator: “Friends to all”
Re-published in the Samoa Observer
Geopolitics in the Pacific Islands: Playing for advantage
Policy Briefs
Geopolitics in the Pacific Islands: Playing for advantage
Competition among development partners in the region needs to be harnessed to lift standards and development outcomes.
Pacific Change Makers - Vanuatu MP Gloria Julia King on women, sport, and politics
Podcasts
Pacific Change Makers - Vanuatu MP Gloria Julia King on women, sport, and politics
  Former national football player and Vanuatu MP Gloria Julia King tells Dr Jessica Collins that while barriers still exist for women in politics, sport is a great…
Pacific Change Makers: Peter Kenilorea on Solomon Islands security and political challenges
Podcasts
Pacific Change Makers: Peter Kenilorea on Solomon Islands security and political challenges
In this episode of Pacific Change Makers, Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea discusses his country’s political and security challenges with Pacific Islands Program Director Meg…
Shifting the Power: Making a difference through gender and climate activism
Podcasts
Shifting the Power: Making a difference through gender and climate activism
In this episode of Pacific Change Makers, Dr Meg Keen speaks with Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls in Suva, Fiji about social activism in the Pacific.
Statecraftiness: Loan Rangers
Commentary
Statecraftiness: Loan Rangers
In episode six of the Statecraftiness podcast from the University of Adelaide, Gordon Peake speaks with Maholopa Laveil, FDC Pacific Fellow at the Lowy Institute. 
Pacific Change Makers: In Conversation with Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary to Papua New Guinea’s government
Podcasts
Pacific Change Makers: In Conversation with Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary to Papua New Guinea’s government
In this new episode of Pacific Change Makers, Dr Meg Keen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program discusses politics, priorities and problems with the Chief…
Pacific Change Makers: Pacific Fusion Centre - Breaking new ground in a contested Pacific?
Podcasts
Pacific Change Makers: Pacific Fusion Centre - Breaking new ground in a contested Pacific?
  The Pacific Fusion Centre is a new Pacific regional body aiming to critically analyse the pressing security issues facing the Pacific Islands and better inform decision…
The Australian Financial Review
6 August 2024
Pacific Islands News Association
6 February 2024
ABC's Saturday Extra
5 February 2024
The Australian Financial Review
17 October 2023
Voice of America
18 July 2023