The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and New Zealand’s Lincoln University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them join forces to develop new collaborative research projects in the Pacific Islands region.
The research projects will focus on many of the most pressing challenges of the Pacific Islands region, including food security, climate resilience, agriculture and food systems, health and nutrition, and community development.
The partnership capitalises on UniSC’s distinctive Pacific expertise – delivered through the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) – and Lincoln University’s world-leading research in agriculture, farming systems and rural development.
Building on a relationship established in 2024, the new MoU will be overseen by a joint management committee co-chaired by Lincoln University Professor of Plant Biology Rainer Hofmann and ACPIR’s Deputy Director Associate Professor Sarah Burkhart.
The MoU also provides for co-supervision of PhD students, joint publications, staff exchanges and co-appointments of academics.
Professor Hofmann said the new partnership is a natural fit between two institutions that are committed to supporting regenerative and ethical development in the Pacific Islands region.
“This new MoU provides an opportunity for co-creation of impactful, long-lasting solutions. By working closely with communities, industry and governments we apply our land-based research to real-world challenges to drive both productivity and sustainability.”
“As a recognised leader in developing solutions to the major challenges facing land-based sectors worldwide, Lincoln University is privileged to contribute our knowledge and expertise to help address the very significant issues confronting communities throughout the Pacific region.
“Partnerships are fundamental to Lincoln University’s purpose as a specialist university focused on the land-based sector. The new MoU will extend our global research networks and further strengthen our transnational partnerships,” said Prof Hofmann.
University of the Sunshine Coast Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Ross Young said, “The University of the Sunshine Coast has deep and long-lasting partnerships in the Pacific, and we are delighted to see such a strong commitment to Pacific collaboration manifested at Lincoln University as well.
“We look forward to our future collaboration, particularly in areas of sustainability, responding to the threat of climate change, and agriculture.”
The MoU was formalised at a signing ceremony held at Lincoln University on 21 July.
