Established in 2017, the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at the Australian National University (ANU) is the world’s leading centre of research and education on state, society and governance in the Pacific. Our research, teaching and outreach is based in strong partnerships with stakeholders across the region, as we collaboratively aim to support Pacific stability, security and prosperity.
Our vision
DPA is proud to support the ANU's Pacific-focused mandate enshrined in its foundational legislation in 1946. In coming years, DPA will build upon our achievements, and consolidate our leading role in shaping Pacific studies, policy and debates. Within the next decade, DPA aims to strengthen our national mission and meet our unique responsibilities by attracting, and collaborating with, more Pacific Islander researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
Our goal is to deepen Australia-Pacific research & education partnerships that support evidence based policy making for the Pacific.
Research
Our research is structured around the following five thematic area:
Education
DPA offers a variety of education programs. Programs and courses offered by DPA are designed to facilitate broader and deeper education on the Pacific region amongst policymakers, program designers, researchers, analysts and others who want to focus on the region. The programs offered by DPA are:
Head & Deputy Head of Department
Head of Department
Associate Professor Sonia Palmieri's research interests lie in the social and cultural conditions that legitimise women's leadership in political institutions, including parliaments. In parallel, Sonia explores with students and her disciplinary peers opportunities and strategies for more inclusive research methodologies, particularly feminist methodologies. Her research agenda is built on 15 years experience of working in academic, development and parliamentary institutions.
Deputy Head of Department
Salā Dr George Carter is a Research Fellow in Geopolitics and Regionalism. He is also the Director for the ANU Pacific Institute a network hub of over 200 scholars - connecting and promoting Pacific Sudies - research, teaching and training at the university. George lectures courses in international relations, diplomacy, security, environment and climate change, policy, cross-cultural communication, and Pacific studies. George’s research and teaching interests are informed by his education, work experience in the Pacific and upbringing through his proud Samoan Tuvaluan, i-Kiribati, Chinese, British ancestry. He serves his family and village in Samoa, where he holds the matai/chiefly title of Salā.