The growing disinterest in physics education is raising concerns about the future scientific abilities of nations in the Pacific region. In response, the University of Fiji has urged prompt action to reverse this trend. During the IUPAP Pasifika Summit held in Nadi, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem expressed her concern that many students view physics as too difficult, but she underscored the subject’s fundamental importance and relevance in solving real-world problems.
Professor Shameem outlined how physics plays a critical role in vital areas such as climate modeling, renewable energy, and technological innovations, all of which are crucial for Pacific nations facing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. She highlighted UniFiji’s growing initiatives and research efforts, notably pointing to the significant contributions of Associate Professor Ramendra Prasad to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Seventh Assessment Report, which demonstrates the positive impact of scientific activities in the region.
The summit brought together delegates from across the Pacific along with global partners, including IUPAP President Professor Silvina Ponce Dawson and representatives from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). Participants collectively acknowledged the necessity for innovative teaching approaches, enhanced collaborations, and novel ways to engage young minds in physics.
UniFiji is committed to bolstering STEM education and boosting regional expertise, aligning with ongoing efforts in the Pacific to meld scientific insights with community-focused strategies in combating local climate issues. Similar calls for science and climate advocacy have been echoed in recent events, highlighting the urgency for coordinated actions across various fields to address the escalating climate crisis.
Efforts to make physics more engaging for students aim to foster greater scientific literacy in the region. This approach aspires to link educational interest with practical applications, envisioning a future where a new generation of scientists can emerge to confront the pressing challenges of climate change and other significant issues that the Pacific faces.
As communities in the Pacific continue to push for climate adaptation and scientific progress, the collaborative movement to enhance educational capacity in disciplines like physics represents a firm commitment to knowledge, paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future.