Description

The research and innovation organizations present in French Polynesia officially created the RESIPOL consortium (Research, Higher Education, and Innovation for Polynesia) through a framework agreement signed on January 31, 2019.

This initiative aligns with national regulations (Law No. 2013-660 on Higher Education and Research, dated July 22, 2013), which aim to establish a coordinated territorial organization centered around a shared project, jointly defined by State and local institutions. The consortium also collaborates with the University of California, Berkeley, to support the development of French Polynesia through knowledge, education, and innovation

RESIPOL falls under the “Research and Innovation” component of the site’s strategic project, submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation in September 2016. This project provides an initial definition of the actions that will be undertaken by the stakeholders over a six-year period.

The partnership between the University of French Polynesia and other research organizations present in the territory reflects a shared commitment to conducting research that contributes meaningfully and originally to knowledge and scientific advancement. This collaborative approach is based on analyses and forward-looking studies carried out as part of the 2015–2025 Research and Innovation Master Plan (SDRI), coordinated by the Regional Delegation for Research and Technology (DRRT) and the Research Delegation of the Government of French Polynesia.

Founding Members of the RESIPOL Consortium

  • University of French Polynesia
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)
  • French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER)
  • Louis Malardé Institute (ILM)
  • Research Institute for Development (IRD)

Associate Partners

  • École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE)
  • Météo France
  • French Geological Survey (BRGM)
  • Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOM)
  • Tahiti Fa’ahotu Innovation Hub
  • French Biodiversity Agency (AFB)

Key Objectives of the RESIPOL Consortium

Strengthening the Scientific Structure of the Site

  • Enhancing synergies and resource sharing (technical platforms) while strengthening partnerships and existing structures (joint research units, service and research units, and the House of Human Sciences).
  • Facilitating digital network access for all consortium members through the scientific interest group PolyRen (see below).

Implementing a Common Infrastructure Strategy

  • Establishing a new research hub on the university campus.
  • Constructing an experimental ecology station in Moorea.
  • Building the Polynesian Research Center in Paea, including a Ciguaprod ciguatoxin production center and an Innoventomo mosquito production facility.

Developing a Common Researcher Invitation Policy

  • Promoting academic excellence and research exchanges, particularly with institutions in the Pacific region.

Ensuring Site-Wide Consistency in Doctoral and Postdoctoral Policies

Increasing Research Visibility and Promoting Research Culture

  • Organizing Research Conferences.
  • Hosting Doctoral Workshops in French Polynesia.
  • Creating an Eco-Museum in Moorea (Fare Natura).
  • Supporting public engagement initiatives such as open days and exhibitions.

Enhancing Innovation and Research Valorization

  • Developing a common strategy to promote initiatives and partnerships with competitiveness clusters.

The consortium members commit to working together to implement concrete actions that foster collaboration among research organizations, optimize resource sharing, and strengthen the promotion of research in French Polynesia.

A Key Initiative: The Creation of the PolyREN Scientific Interest Group

One of RESIPOL’s priority actions is the establishment of the PolyREN (Polynesian Research and Education Network), a scientific interest group dedicated to high-speed internet access for research institutions. This initiative is carried out in partnership with RENATER, the leading digital infrastructure provider for the education and research community in mainland France.

Member Institutions

Partner Institutions