The inaugural Pacific Research Cluster Talanoa at Macquarie University was held today. First of its kind at Macquarie, the Talanoa provided an excellent opportunity for anyone with research interests in the Pacific region to meet one another and share their stories, and also to be aware of and be inspired by the range of Pacific-related research being undertaken by the academics and students of Faculty of Arts. This was a forum for people across the university, engaged in Pacific related work to come together and make their work visible.
The Talanoa (a Pacific Island form of dialog meaning "open conversation") created an opportunity to explore the possibilities for ongoing connection, potential synergies and collaboration by gathering the Pacific-focused people and resources across all faculties.
"Using the concept of Talanoa, instead of calling the event a symposium or workshop, created a different kind of space: we enjoyed sharing, laughing, eating together, and even creating a poem. The structure emphasised the importance of building relationships," explains Dr Alice Te Punga Somerville, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Indigenous Studies and one of the Talanoa organisers.
The Talanoa was attended by Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, academics and community members who are currently doing active research on areas related to the Pacific region.
One of the attendees, Associate Professor Karin Speedy from the Department of International Studies, said the Talanoa provided an opportunity to discuss exciting future events and collaborations in terms of research, and HDR and interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate Learning and Teaching opportunities.
She said, "It was great to make new connections across the faculty, university and community and I can't wait for the next one!"
