Waste water management in the Cook Islands
Matt has improved the prediction of storm surge and coastal hazard impacts on Pacific Island coasts, helping the Cook Islands to plan better and save houses. He is now evaluating the environmental impacts of wastewater pollution in coastal lagoon areas, helping to sustain tourism as the leading economic sector.
Sustainable energy solutions for remote communities
To help remote communities in the South Pacific access affordable and clean energy, Iain and Anna have commenced course and research initiatives in partnership with USP that focus on energy solutions, while also building support in the region for clean energy access.
Sustainable energy solutions for remote communities
To help remote communities in the South Pacific access affordable and clean energy, Iain and Anna have commenced course and research initiatives in partnership with USP that focus on energy solutions, while also building support in the region for clean energy access.
Helping regulators in the Pacific to encourage the delivery of financial services by mobile
Ross is helping developing countries to regulate and support the delivery of financial services by mobile device, helping citizens to save significant amounts of time and money in making their financial transactions, while also minimising corruption and theft.
Building a civil engineering degree in the Pacific
To help the Pacific spend less on foreign education and consultancies to improve local infrastructure, David has co-created an internationally recognised civil engineering degree at the region’s top university that will improve the quality of local capacity and infrastructure over time.
Training public officials to identify insect threats in PNG
UNSW researchers are equipped to train public servants in Pacific Island countries on insects crops and biodiversity, using PNG as a hub for a regional approach to protect fragile local food supplies that are under threat from emerging insects.
Examining farmer and entrepreneur behaviour in PNG and Bougainville
Satish is working with governments in Papua New Guinea on how entrepreneurship can be encouraged among farmers and citizens to create a more prosperous society and underscore peace.
Delivering renewable energy to Vanuatu
Richard is repairing and boosting a hydropower grid to provide locals with electricity and improve their quality of life and communication, and he is installing light and phone charging facilities in at least 14 aid posts dotted across the country, improving the ability of those aid posts to respond to the injured and pregnant.
Disease surveillance systems
Adam is working with Pacific Island governments to analyse the effectiveness of the region’s outbreak early warning surveillance system with the aim of strengthening it to enable faster and more accurate detection of outbreaks, thereby containing disease and preventing people from becoming ill.
Modelling climate in the Southwest Pacific region
UNSW can model regional climate in the Southwest Pacific and make climate projections for up to 50 years ahead for individual countries, helping them to better plan for farming and extreme conditions and to ensure they have enough food, water and shelter.
History of human settlement in PNG
Through archaeological investigations, UNSW is examining the settlement history of PNG and determining how and where people lived, providing invaluable information for school kids and local tourist guides and bush museums.
Assessing mineral deposits in Timor-Leste
UNSW is training up a Timor-Leste student in economic geology with the view that the student will return to work for the Timor-Leste Government and help them to better manage exploration and maximise income for the state, enhancing quality of life in the country.
Testing aid delivery models
Pauline and her team tested a unique aid delivery approach to 80 villages in the Solomon Islands to determine how best to deliver aid money so that it goes towards projects the community values most, establishing a new and viable approach that can maximise the benefits of aid.
Sustainable fishing of tuna in the South Pacific
UNSW’s research into tuna populations in the South Pacific will help local governments across the region manage their marine environment, ensuring vital food supplies and sources of income from fishing are sustained for generations to come.
Sexual health in PNG
Angela and her team at the Kirby Institute and the PNGIMR undertake research around the sexual, reproductive and maternal health of men and women in PNG, directly influencing government policy, improving sexual health and awareness, and demystifying cultural stigmas.
Controlling neglected tropical diseases in the Pacific
To help Fiji and the Solomon Islands to better control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the population, John is working with governments from both countries to examine current measures, identify gaps and conduct research to fill those gaps, ultimately reducing the rates of disease and relieving the public medical system.
Training public officials in infrastructure development and locals in property maintenance
UNSW will train public officials to identify and develop viable infrastructure projects and upskill community members in the repair and maintenance of housing and basic infrastructure, lifting the standard of living in Fiji, the Soloman Islands and Vanuatu.
Educating and training human rights defenders
Justine Nolan and the DTP are training human rights defenders in the Pacific to develop advocacy strategies to deal with companies in the region and achieve better terms and conditions for local workers, better protect community and Indigenous rights, and sustain business activity.
Geothermal energy for Fiji
Having identified geothermal potential in Fiji, Klaus is now working to build local academic capacity in geothermal power so locals can benefit from cheaper and cleaner electricity. He is also looking to extend the life of a gold mine for workers by applying a ground-breaking harvesting process he invented.
Cardiovascular disease
This team led by Richard are working with local government in Sri Lanka and Pacific Island countries to trial interventions that reduce cardiovascular risk and disease, and to better estimate trends in disease and mortality, improving local health and advancing healthcare policy.
Testing for STIs and cervical cancer in PNG
Andrew is evaluating point of care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women in PNG to demonstrate whether this strategy could improve mother and newborn health. He is also trialling a novel point-of-care ‘test and treat’ model for cervical cancer screening in PNG.
Reducing salt intakes in diets in the Pacific
Jacqui is working with countries in the Pacific and around the world to implement salt reduction strategies to reduce blood pressure levels and food policy interventions to tackle obesity, diabetes and diet-related diseases that result in premature death.
Sex workers in the Pacific
Heather has conducted extensive research around the nature of sex work in the Pacific, highlighting health and safety issues and lack of social support, with the aim of prompting governments to act to provide better care for citizens.
