Overview
This small research activity (SRA) builds on Developing a framework for Pacific Regional Research Collaboration (ACIAR project GMCP/2021/170) and aims to define and test how the Peer Review and the enabling research partnership elements of the framework can be established and strengthened, being inclusive and transparent, to achieve long-term impacts. The activity also aims to test and adapt the Pacific Regional Research Agenda Framework (RRAF) as a mechanism that guides long-term impacts to create change for end users.
Research challenges persist in improving agriculture and forestry in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The 7th Regional Meeting of Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAS) meeting in 2021 emphasized the need for a RRAF to share resources, infrastructure, and opportunities for addressing common problems. The RRAF was funded by ACIAR and led by the Pacific Community, endorsed by PHOAS in March 2023.
A critical aspect of this SRA is that it is testing a process; at each step of the process, it will need to be reviewed and evaluated by the Peer Review Group to ensure that it is the best fit for coordinating the research needs of the PICTs and any modifications will be proposed along the way.
Project activities and expected outcomes
- Testing Peer Review and research partnership framework's inclusiveness, transparency, and long-term impacts.
- Evaluating RRAF's long-term impact on end-user change.
- Nominating 2 research leaders from member countries to represent agriculture and forestry needs.
- Confirming Peer Review Group selection criteria.
- Prioritising research under the Hearing Pacific Voices.
- Establishing criteria for reviewing and prioritising research needs.
- Launching regional research initiative and sharing preliminary results.
- Collaborating with stakeholders and Peer Review Group to improve RRAF.
