Pacific Research Colloquium

PRC 2023

Each year the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at the Australian National University (ANU) brings together early career social science researchers from the Pacific for an intensive workshop series to develop skills for social science research in the Pacific via a program called the Pacific Research Colloquium (PRC).

About the PRC

The PRC is a 10-day intensive research course that is offered in person by DPA experts in Canberra, Australia. This year, the PRC will be held from the 25th of November to the 6th of December. Participants will receive intensive introductory training on research design, methodology, methods and planning. In addition to this, participants will be required to take micro-credentialed courses that focus on either Pacific politics, gender or security and development which can be credited towards two academic programs at the ANU i.e. the Graduate Certificate of Pacific Development and the Master of Pacific Development

The PRC is part of DPA’s broader commitment to building research capacity in the Pacific. The PRC is funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Pacific Research Program. The PRC is a free program for eligible and successful applicants. Successful applicants will be offered:

  • Scholarship that will cover the costs of participating in the 10 day intensive course in Canberra, Australia
  • Mentorship by an available expert in the Department relative to your field of study or experience
  • Opportunity to meet and network with academic staff who specialise in various fields including international relations, governance, security, history, gender, politics and health from the ANU
  • Travel, food and accommodation costs for the 10 days.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from Pacific Island students, early career researchers, development practitioners and professionals who have a demonstrated commitment to research and for whom enhanced research skills will have significant impact on their everyday work. Applications should have:

  • A tertiary qualification in the humanities or social sciences (e.g. anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, sociology, among others); and/or
  • Five years’ full time professional experience in civil society or government; and
  • A current passport (preferred).

How to apply

Applicants must complete an online application form. On the application form you will be asked to respond to a series of research proposal questions (please note some questions will have a word count restriction). You will be assessed based on your research proposals’ engagement with issues pertaining to Pacific politics, governance and development, and its originality and clarity of purpose. Applications will close on 14 June.

All successful applicants will be required to:

  • Submit a research proposal before commencement of the PRC
  • Complete coursework assessments before and after the PRC


If you have any queries regarding the online application site or PRC in general please contact DPA on dpa@anu.edu.au.