The University of the South Pacific (USP) hosted a Veitalanoa (dialogue) Session, bringing together PhD scholars from various prestigious scholarship programmes to foster community, peer mentoring, and inspiration.
The event, organised by the Graduate School and the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), created a space for open conversation and knowledge-sharing among doctoral candidates.
The semi-formal session, rooted in Pacific cultural tradition, included scholars from programmes such as the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the U.S.-Pacific Resilience and Adaptation Fellowship Program, Project Halophyte, and the Norway-Pacific Ocean-Climate Scholarship Programme (N-POC).
Senior scholars shared their journeys, challenges, and lessons with newly enrolled candidates, offering invaluable advice.
Dean of the Graduate School, Dr Utkal Mehta, emphasised the importance of excellence.
“Give your best, take the advice from your peers seriously as it might save you from avoidable hurdles. We are not just producing degrees; we are shaping thinkers and creators of new knowledge for the Pacific and beyond,” Dr Mehta said.
Kiali Molu, an N-POC PhD candidate, stressed the importance of passion, discipline and wellness.
“The PhD journey is not easy, it’s been challenging,” he said. “Choose a topic you’re passionate about. Your interest will carry you through the next three years. Talk to your supervisors regularly, and if you haven’t chosen one; choose wisely.”
Christian-Yves Amaatoo-Ali, a scholar under the ACIAR PASS-CR Scholarship Program, echoed the importance of self-direction and collaboration.
“You are expected to work independently but stay in regular communication with your supervisors. Take ownership of your research and aim to publish your work. Build a support system and connect with fellow PhD scholars.”
The Veitalanoa Session is part of USP’s aim to strengthen it research community while encouraging a sense of shared purpose, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and mutual respect among scholars who are contributing to regional and global knowledge systems.
The Graduate School plans to host more of these sessions to support the holistic development and community engagement of its Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.
