Declining interest in physics education has raised alarms about the future scientific capacity of the Pacific region. The University of Fiji has called for immediate action to counter this trend. During the IUPAP Pasifika Summit held in Nadi, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem pointed out that a significant number of students consider physics too challenging. However, she emphasized that the subject remains vital and engaging, playing a crucial role in addressing real-world issues.
Professor Shameem highlighted the importance of physics in key areas such as climate modeling, renewable energy, and technological advancements, which are essential for Pacific nations grappling with the escalating threats posed by climate change. She pointed to UniFiji’s expanding programs and research activities, including the notable contributions of Associate Professor Ramendra Prasad to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Seventh Assessment Report, showcasing the positive regional impact of their scientific endeavors.
The summit convened Pacific delegates alongside global partners, including IUPAP President Professor Silvina Ponce Dawson and representatives from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). Attendees collectively recognized the need for innovative teaching methods, stronger partnerships, and fresh pathways to engage and attract young physicists to the field.
UniFiji reaffirms its commitment to enhancing STEM education and strengthening regional expertise, which aligns with ongoing efforts by the Pacific to integrate scientific knowledge with community-based approaches in addressing local climate challenges. A similar advocacy for science and climate action was echoed at other recent gatherings, reaffirming the urgency of coordinated efforts across disciplines to address the climate crisis.
The initiatives to make physics more appealing to students also reflect a broader aim of fostering scientific literacy in the region. By bridging interest in education and real-world applications, there is a hopeful vision for the future where a new generation of scientists can arise to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change and other critical issues facing the Pacific.
As Pacific communities continue to advocate for climate adaptation and scientific advancement, the collective movement towards building educational capacity in fields like physics indicates not just a commitment to knowledge but a path to a brighter, more resilient future.