Leading strategic research in collaboration with our Pacific Island neighbours
Past, present and future impacts of sea-level changes
How past sea-level changes impacted on societal evolution in island contexts.
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Enhancing fruit quality
Addressing fruit quality, production and profitability to enhance resilience and livelihoods in the South Pacific
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Sustainable Tropical Aquaculture creates livelihood opportunities
Farming pearl oysters, sea cucumbers, clownfish and other high value sea life has the potential to improve the lives of entire Pacific communities.
More...The Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) is a multidisciplinary research centre that provides a focal point for the expertise and experience of the many USC academics and researchers conducting research and development projects in the Pacific Islands region.
Research areas include agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, sustainability, heritage, food security, climate change and health. Many projects include local capacity building in scientific and social research, industry and sustainable livelihood development.
In addition to the senior academics based at USC, the University has a number of full-time research staff based in the Pacific. As well as conducting and supervising research, these USC researchers mentor local research students, industry staff and community members.
Our vision
The Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) works with the people of the Pacific Islands to help them attain their goals and meet their challenges without compromising their independence or diluting their cultural richness.
Our work
ACPIR seeks to carry out research into all aspects of Pacific Islands environment and life. ACPIR is currently focused on land, water and people and conducts research that supports livelihood sustainability and economic development.
Meet the team
The three founding ACPIR Directors have each spent decades working with the people of the Pacific Islands and are widely acknowledged as world leaders in their respective fields.
Professor of Geography, Patrick D. Nunn,
Currently focused on human-environment interactions (past, present and future) in the Pacific Islands, Patrick is a climate scientist and geographer with 30 years experience in the region, including 25 years at the University of the South Pacific where he became Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and International).
Professor of Sustainable Tropical Aquaculture, Paul Southgate
Specialising in pearl oysters, other marine invertebrates and marine ornamental species, Paul currently leads eight major research projects with over $9 million funding around the development of sustainable tropical aquaculture industries and livelihoods in coastal communities throughout the Pacific.
Professor of Horticulture, Steven J. R. Underhill
With a research focus on food security, poverty alleviation and livelihood development outcomes, Steven has over 25 years experience working in the Pacific. Specialising in post-harvest handling and quality management systems, supply chain development is at the heart of his current projects with around $15 million worth of research funding.