What does ICSPI stand for?

ICSPI stands for the ‘International Council for the Study of the Pacific Islands’

What does CIEIP stand for? 

CIEIP stands for the ‘Conseil  International pour l’Étude des  Îles du Pacifique’

What is ICSPI all about?

ICSPI was set up to facilitate mutual cooperation internationally among institutions and organizations dedicated to Pacific Islands Studies in order to:

a.       promote research and teaching for the benefit of the peoples of the Pacific Islands,

b.       maintain a resource base of Pacific Islands research,

c.       facilitate access to research, especially to the peoples of the Pacific Islands and

d.       promote the recognition of the Pacific Islands’ distinctive contributions to knowledge.

Who can join ICSPI as members?

ICSPI is not an exclusive club. Anyone and any institution with a vested interest in Pacific studies or studies about the Pacific Islands is welcome to join ICSPI either as an Individual member (US$10 per calendar year), Associate member (US$50 per calendar year) or as Institutional members (US$100 per calendar year).

What is an Associate member?

Associate membership is available to persons, groups or associations not formally affiliated with Institutional  members. Such members are not eligible for election to the executive. [ refer to the Charter: Part I, Section 3 (e)(ii)]

 What is an Institutional member?

Institutional membership is open to any constituted organisation, in any country, that is a teaching or research center or institute, or any scholarly association with an interest in the study of the Pacific Islands. [refer to the Charter: Part 1, Section 3 (c)]

Where is ICSPI based?

The ICSPI Secretariat is based at the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States in Apia, Samoa.  

Who’s currently on the Executive?

There are 12 members in the current ICSPI Executive Committee. It is comprised of 10 members from regional Institutes or Centres of Pacific Studies plus two ex-officio members who are members by virtue of their positions. That is, the Director of the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States in Apia (currently held by Ms Edna Tait of New Zealand) and the Social & Human Sciences Regional Adviser at the UNESCO Bangkok Office (currently vacant due to the recent holder, Dr Malama Meleisea of Samoa being posted to his new appointment in Kabul, Afghanistan).

The following are the current members of the Executive Committe

President:            

Professor Lau Asofou So'o (Director)  

Institute of Samoan Studies:

The National University of Samoa

Email:  a.soo@nus.edu.ws                                

 

Vice Presidents:        

Professor Karen Nero (Director)         

Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies:

University of Canterbury, NZ

Email:  karen.nero@canterbury.ac.nz                

 

Dr Teresia K. Teaiwa (Programme Director)

Te Kawa a Maui: The School of Maori,

Pacific & Samoan Studies

Victoria University of  Wellington, NZ

Email:   teresia.teaiwa@vuw.ac.nz                    

Executive Members:

Professor Brij V. Lal (Professor & Head)

Division for Pacific & Asian History,

Research School of Pacific & Asian Studies:

Australian National University, Canberra

Email:  brijlal@coombs.anu.edu.au   

 

Dr Morgan Tuimalealiifano (Senior Lecturer)

Department of History & Politics:

The University of the South Pacific, Fiji

Email:  tuimalea_am@usp.ac.fj       

                  

Professor Vilsoni Hereniko (Professor)           

Centre for Pacific Island Studies:

The University of Hawaii, Manoa

Email:  vili@hawaii.edu                   

      

Professor Frédéric Angleviel (Professeur)

History & Geography Department:

Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie

Email:  angleviel@univ-nc.nc        

                     

Dr Thomas J. Iverson (Researcher)    

Micronesia Area Research Center:

University of Guam

Email:   tiverson@uog9.uog.edu    

                     

Dr Steven Winduo (Director)               

Melanesian & Pacific Studies:

University of Papua New Guinea

Email:  windstev@upng.ac.pg      

                      

Dr Melani S. Anae (Director)              

Centre for Pacific Studies:

University of Auckland, NZ

Email:  m.anae@auckland.ac.nz

                       

Ex officio Members:  

Ms Edna Tait (Director)                      

UNESCO Office for the Pacific:

Apia, Samoa

Email:  edna@unesco.org.ws    

                        

VACANT POST

 (Soc. Human .Sci. Regional Adviser)    

UNESCO Principal Regional Office for

Asia & the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand        

            

When & Why was it established?

ICSPI was originally formed in June 2001 but officially launched in December 2003. It was established to provide a forum to promote and fund excellence in Pacific Island studies and provide a supporting body to encourage developing Pacific Island researchers.

What are the benefits of membership?

Some of the benefits of being a member of this International Council include the opportunity of:

§         Obtaining ICSPI’s endorsement of your research proposal

§         Getting your research proposal funded by ICSPI

§         Connecting with Pacific Island scholars in diverse fields and from all parts of the world

§         Becoming a part of our growing network of Pacific Island experts

§         Working alongside colleagues with similar research interests

§         Being mentored by a retired but distinguished professor/ scholar of Pacific studies

§         Accessing an International body of experts with a ‘think tank’ role for the Pacific Islands

§         Receiving the Pacific Islands Conferences Update

§         Nominating a colleague or student for the ICSPI/ CIEIP Awards

How can I join?

Please send an email to the ICSPI Secretariat requesting an application form to join ICSPI. Or alternatively print out an application form from our website. Fill in the Application form and return to the ICSPI Secretariat either by post using the postal address above or fax your application form to (685) 26593 or (685) 22253.