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.

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Pacific island links: PNG snapshots, the French PM in New Caledonia, Mini Games and more
Pacific island links: PNG snapshots, the French PM in New Caledonia, Mini Games and more
By Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program. The Lowy Institute has released Papua New Guinea: Seven Snapshots of a Nation, which analyses PNG’s…
No course correction in PNG budget
No course correction in PNG budget
It is no secret that the Papua New Guinea economy is facing some very tough times. The collapse of global commodity prices, a severe drought, an ongoing foreign exchange crisis,…
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To lead in the Pacific, Australia must lead on climate change
Richard Marles' address to the Lowy Institute this week was delivered with a rare eloquence. Marles is an impressive orator with genuine knowledge of the region gained over many…
Pacific island links: COP23, PNG corruption, Tonga’s election and more
Pacific island links: COP23, PNG corruption, Tonga’s election and more
By Euan Moyle, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program. The crisis on Manus Island continues almost a month after the refugee processing centre officially…
New Solomon Islands PM will need all the support he can muster
New Solomon Islands PM will need all the support he can muster
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela was sworn in last week in Solomon Islands. Hou (the surname by which he is more readily known) replaces Manasseh Sogavare, who was removed in a…
National Public Radio
8 February 2023
The Australian
4 February 2023
South China Morning Post
27 January 2023
South China Morning Post
27 January 2023
Sky News Australia
12 January 2023
Australian Associated Press
12 January 2023
Australian Associated Press
11 February 2023
The Australian
4 January 2023