Feature image caption: (from left to right) Riho Suzuki (Keio), Eliko Akashi (Keio), Umerang Imetengel (UH), and on screen Hotavia Gingerlei Porter (UH).
From May 11 to 19, 2026, members from Keio University, Japan (Keio), visited the University of Hawaiʻi (UH), USA, to advance collaborative efforts for SOI Pacific, a newly launched joint educational and research initiative dedicated to supporting a more connected and resilient Pacific. The visit focused on strengthening partnerships, deepening regional understanding, and shaping strategic directions for upcoming activities in 2026–2027.
During the visit, the team engaged in strategic discussions to further develop collaborative plans in Palau and conceptualize the inaugural SOI Pacific Meeting scheduled for later this year. Exchanges with the UH Telecommunications and Social Informatics (TASI) team also provided opportunities to learn about regional initiatives, including the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center (PBTRC), the Hawaiʻi Health Analytics Project, and the Pili Ola Telehealth Network Project. These discussions helped identify shared priorities and possibilities for future collaboration across education, research, health, and community resilience in the Pacific region.
The visit also provided an opportunity to observe the Pacific International Training Desk On Site Training Program (OSTP), an intensive four-week meteorology training programme supporting weather observers from across the Pacific Islands region. Developed through collaboration among regional and national partners, the program offers practical technical training to strengthen local meteorological capacity.
As part of this experience, the Keio team observed training sessions and joined a field visit to Hawaii News Now, where participants explored the “last mile” of science communication—how scientific information is translated into practical and accessible information for communities. The team also attended the programme’s closing ceremony alongside leadership from the National Weather Service (NWS) and TASI. In addition, visits to local research and historical institutions provided valuable cultural and regional insights to support future curriculum and programme development.
The visit marked an important step in shaping the early direction of SOI Pacific. Insights gained through strategic discussions, field observations, and exchanges with regional partners will help guide future activities, strengthen collaboration, and support meaningful engagement with Pacific communities in the years ahead.
As SOI Pacific activities continue to develop, the team is also pleased to announce the launch of the official SOI Pacific Facebook page. We invite you to follow us for project updates, regional insights, and future developments across the Pacific.
Follow the SOI Pacific Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/soipacific/