The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Australian National University (ANU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in research, academic exchange, and public policy engagement. The signing took place on Monday, 3rd November 2025, during the inaugural Panatina Research Seminar held at SINU’s Panatina Campus.
The event, themed “Navigating Change: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Development in the Solomon Islands,” was graced by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele as keynote speaker, alongside SINU Chancellor Sir Dr. Nathan Kere, Deputy Opposition Leader Hon. Deane Kuku, and ANU Dean Professor Helen Sullivan.
The campus was abuzz with discussions as government leaders, academics, policymakers, and students gathered to explore pressing national development issues. The seminar featured plenary and concurrent sessions focused on key topics such as climate change, education, governance, fisheries, and social inclusion — all aimed at fostering dialogue and evidence-based solutions for sustainable national growth.
The MoU signed between SINU and ANU provides a framework for staff and student exchanges, co-hosted seminars, and co-publication of research projects in areas of shared Pacific interest. It marks a significant milestone in strengthening equitable, regionally driven collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australia in higher education and policy research.
In his remarks, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau expressed deep gratitude and optimism about the new partnership,“today has been one of the proudest days of my tenure as Vice-Chancellor. Together, we have navigated a day rich with ideas, debate, and inspiration. This partnership has sparked a new flame of intellectual curiosity among Solomon Islanders and created a space for dialogue that did not exist before.”
He reaffirmed SINU’s commitment to ensuring that knowledge and opportunity reach all parts of the nation,“inclusive national development is not just a phrase—it is a promise that no one is left behind.”
The MoU was signed by ANU’s College of Asia and the Pacific Dean Professor Helen Sullivan and SINU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.
The inaugural Panatina Research Seminar will become an annual event, continuing to strengthen academic collaboration and policy dialogue between SINU, ANU, and regional partners, advancing the shared goal of sustainable and inclusive development in the Pacific.
