A policy and research officer from the Central Policy and Planning division in the Office of the Prime Minister was among 20 recipients of a 10-day intensive research course in Australia.

Cook Islander Mata Rakanui was selected from over 400 applicants to participate in the Pacific Research Colloquium (PRC) held at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra from November 25 to December 6.

The Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at 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 region.

Rakanui joined representatives from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna in this programme.

The participants included diplomats and representatives from health sector, strategic management, social development, legal sector, foreign affairs, marine resources, airport management and others.

Participants received intensive introductory training on research design, methodology, methods and planning. In addition to this, participants were required to take micro-credentialed courses that focus on either Pacific politics, gender or security and development, which could be credited towards two academic programmes at the ANU.

The programme was initiated in 2003 and 20 scholarships are awarded each year.

Rakanui said: “It was truly a privilege to be selected to attend this programme and gives me a greater lens as regards to research and a potential PhD programme.”

“This was a great opportunity to understand different research methodologies across the Pacific. It was also highly beneficial as regards learning the structure of PhD proposals, networking, and understanding the issues our brothers and sisters across the Pacific experience.”

Rakanui encouraged other Cook Islanders to apply for this programme, develop Pacific research methodologies, and bring back the knowledge to the people of the Cook Islands.

“In addition, the ability to network with our Pacific brothers and sisters will give us greater scope on issues currently faced across the Pacific.”

During the programme, ANU suggested they would like to host this programme across the Pacific and not just located in Canberra, Rakanui said.

“This could provide an opportunity for Cook Islands education and USP.”

Rakanui thanked the facilitators of the programme from ANU including Salā Dr George Carter. Dr Gemma Malungahu, Dr Mercy Masta, and Lyndsi Porto.

“A final acknowledgement to the chief of staff Ben Ponia, Office of the Prime Minister.”