Information for PIHRS 2026
Background
The Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) is an annual conference of Pacific health researchers where they meet to present their research on Pacific health issues and challenges. It was first launched in 2011 to provide a platform for staff and students to showcase their research. Today, the PIHRS has become an annual event for the College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), Fiji National University (FNU).
The FNU has continued to embark on efforts and strategies to strengthen the research capacity and profile of its academic staff and students at all the CMNHS. Examples of such strategies are the creation of research portfolios such as the Pro-Vice Chancellor Research (PVCR) and the College Associate Deans of Research (ADRs). Research is increasingly becoming an important aspect of the FNU, and events such as the PIHRS are encouraging our staff and students to engage in research and present their research findings in a larger forum.
Aim of PIHRS
The PIHRS aims to offer a platform for presenting research, research ideas, and methodologies and sharing knowledge. It is hoped that some of these will provide critical challenges and open new spaces for further research that can impact aspects of health care and health services delivery.
PIHRS 2026 Conference Announcement
The 2026 PIHRS – Save the Dates Flyer is in circulation, and the dates are 31st August to 4th September 2026. The theme is “Accelerating SDG 3 in the Pacific: Research, Accountability and Impact toward Vision 2050”.Pacific Island Countries (PICs) continue to face complex health challenges, including high burdens of non-communicable diseases, communicable disease threats, an HIV crisis, climate-related health risks, and constrained health system capacity. At the same time, there is growing recognition that research evidence is essential for strengthening health systems, informing policy, and mobilising funding.
The Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) has emerged as a premier regional platform for showcasing research excellence, fostering collaboration, and promoting the translation of research into policy and practice. Building on previous successful symposia and programme formats, PIHRS 2026 2029 will reposition itself as: An annual Pacific SDG 3 research accountability and acceleration platform, contributing evidence toward Fiji’s Vision 2050 and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Fiji National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050 emphasise research, innovation, climate resilience, equitable service delivery, and institutional accountability as core drivers of national transformation. Meanwhile, the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy underscores people-centred development, resilience, technology, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge as foundational to regional wellbeing. These frameworks provide long-term strategic direction for PIHRS beyond the SDG 2030 horizon.
Goal
To establish PIHRS 2026–2029 as the Pacific’s leading platform aligning health research with SDG 3 targets while building the evidence base required for Vision 2050 and Blue Pacific 2050 health system transformation.
Objectives
Sub-Themes
Symposium Date & Time
Writing Workshop
Call for Abstract:
Registration
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificates will be provided to all registered participants, at a rate of approximately two (2) CPD points per hour of presentations attended, equivalent to 10 CPD points for a full day’s attendance. This equates to 30 CPD points for full attendance over the 3 days. The PIHRS 2026 offers a unique experience, featuring speeches from renowned speakers, top presentations, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and more.
Click here to view the 2026 program.
| Click here TO REGISTER FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS HEALTH RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM 2026 | ||
| Click here TO DOWNLOAD PIHRS INFORMATION PACKAGE 2026 | Click here TO VIEW PIHRS ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 2026 | Click here TO VIEW PIHRS ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM 2026 |
Click here for information on PIHRS Information Package 2026
Please consider the following guidelines, information, tips, terms, and deadlines to facilitate the submission and subsequent follow-up process.
Abstract Guidelines Structure
Steps to follow for your Abstract Submission
Once you have prepared your abstract according to the above guidelines,
Abstract Submission Deadline
Double Blind Peer Reviewing Process
2026 PIHRS Abstract Template for Oral Presentations
Title
Authors listing: (Presenting Author in bold)
Institutional Affiliation and email address (es)
Introduction: Previous research and/or rationale for performing the study. Include the aim and Objective of the study if applicable.
Method: Adequate description of the type of study, study sample and statistical methods used.
Results: Summary of findings, description of analysis, and interpretation of findings.
Discussion: Limitations of the study, implications of the results, and further work.
Conclusion: A summary of the main findings of the study, highlighting how the results address the study’s aim or research question. The conclusion should emphasise the significance of the findings, their potential contribution to knowledge, policy, or practice, and may include recommendations based on the results.
Word Count: (indicate number of words: should not exceed 250 words)
Instructions: (Delete this section before submission)
If your question is not answered below, please get in touch with the PIHRS Secretariat at PIHRS@fnu.ac.fj.
1. What is a conference?
A conference is a meeting, often lasting for a few days, organised on a particular subject or to bring together participants with a common interest. Participants will participate in or attend the PIHRS conference face-to-face and use this platform to present research, research ideas, and methodologies and share knowledge. It is hoped that some of these will address critical challenges and open new spaces for further research that can impact aspects of health care and health services delivery.
2. When is PIHRS 2026?
The PIHRS Conference will be held on the 31st August to 4th September 2026. All conference sessions will be based on Fiji Time. There will be recorded presentations for speakers, and a Zoom meeting will be organised for speakers who cannot attend physically.
3. Who should attend?
The PIHRS conference welcomes local and international academics, donors, government ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), technical agencies, the Private Sector, students, and anyone passionate about the theme: “Celebrating Research Excellence in the Pacific”.
4. How do I register for PIHRS 2026?
Registration for the 2026 PIHRS Conference has opened. For online registration, please click here.
5. What happens once I register?
Once you register online, you will receive an email confirmation with detailed instructions on payment of the registration fee, with the invoice generated and sent to your email. Please kindly retain a copy of your payment receipt once you have paid the registration fee.
6. How much do I need to pay to register for the conference?
The conference registration fee is in Fiji Dollars that covers morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and can be viewed here.
7. Is there funding available to participate in the conference?
Funding is not available for this conference.
8. Where/How can I claim Continuing Professional Development (CDP) credit points?
Registrants can claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, and participation certificates, and provide feedback by email to the Secretariat here PIHRS@fnu.ac.fjr.
Dinner registration form will be available soon.
Click here to view the 2026 program.
Attention, all health researchers and enthusiasts!
We are thrilled to announce that the CALL FOR ABSTRACTS for the 2026 Pacific Island Health Research Symposium is now open!
This year’s theme is “Accelerating SDG 3 in the Pacific: Research, Accountability and Impact toward Vision 2050”, and we cannot wait to hear your innovative ideas and research findings.
Abstract submissions close on 31st July, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work.
For more information, email us at PIHRS@fnu.ac.fj
Following the Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS), a 2-day Writing Workshop will be held on 3–4 September 2026. This workshop is designed to strengthen participants’ research writing and proposal development skills through practical, guided sessions.
Workshop Streams
Participants will select one of the following specialised streams:
Each stream will be facilitated by experienced professionals and will provide hands-on, practical guidance.
Workshop Criteria
Detailed eligibility and selection criteria are available here.
Facilitators – Terms of Reference (TOR)
Information on facilitator roles and responsibilities is available here.
Registration Process
Note: Workshop spaces are limited. Participants will be selected based on the criteria outlined in the workshop document.
Registration Fee
Click Here to View 2023 Proceedings Report.