VC Aqorau Calls for Stronger Partnerships and Collaboration at SINU Research Seminar

The Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, Dr. Transform Aqorau, has urged stronger partnerships among government, academia, industry, and development partners to tackle national challenges through collaborative research and innovation.

Speaking at the opening of the inaugural Panatina Research Seminar in Honiara, Dr. Aqorau described the event as the beginning of a new national tradition for research dialogue and evidence-based policy exchange.

“Today will be the beginning of a tradition,” Dr. Aqorau said. “We envision the Panatina Research Seminar to be SINU’s flagship annual forum — a space where government, communities, academia, and development partners can come together to share research, discuss policy direction, and align our efforts for the common good.”

He said the university hopes to make the seminar a standing annual event on the national calendar, encouraging open dialogue and shared learning among all sectors.

“In doing so, we will build a legacy of open dialogue and evidence-based decision-making — a true whole-of-nation approach to development,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, for attending the event, saying his presence symbolized the unity between leadership, policy, and knowledge in driving the nation forward.

“Your participation reminds us that knowledge, policy, and leadership must work hand in hand if we are to navigate the challenges of our time,” Dr. Aqorau told the Prime Minister.

He also acknowledged invited guests, members of the diplomatic corps, researchers, and government representatives for their support and participation, noting that collaboration was key to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the Solomon Islands.

“Your presence here today enriches the spirit of this inaugural seminar and affirms the value of collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable development,” he said. “May today’s discussions inspire new ideas, forge stronger partnerships, and bring together the intellectual energy that will guide our nation forward.”

The Panatina Research Seminar was organised by SINU in partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) and supported by the Australian Government through the Pacific Research Program Phase II, the Australia Awards, and the Solomon Islands–Australia Education Partnership.

The seminar brought together researchers, policymakers, academics, and development partners to share insights and explore solutions to the country’s key challenges — politics, economics, environment, and development — focusing on how the Solomon Islands can navigate change toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

Dr. Aqorau concluded by encouraging participants to engage openly and listen thoughtfully, emphasizing that “it is in the meeting of minds that true progress begins.”