High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Pacific Islands Political Studies Association (PIPSA) was established in Hawaii in 1987 at a meeting of Pacific Islands scholars who recognised the need to stimulate and coordinate research and other academic activities to develop our knowledge and understanding of the region. In its early years PIPSA was associated with Brigham Young University in Hawaii, then the University of Guam, Monash University and the University of Canterbury, Christchurch NZ. At the 2002 Conference, it was decided in the interest of continuity that the Association should be based at the University of the Sunshine Coast with Dr. Ivan Molloy continuing as President for the next three - five years to oversee a more active research role. There has been a commitment from the start for PIPSA to serve the countries and peoples of the region by providing political, economic and social analysis of contemporary issues. PIPSA is now a leading international academic body devoted to the study of the Pacific Islands states and territories; their societies, politics and systems of government, and international relations. While the majority of PIPSA’s members are academics, members also come from the ranks of Aid workers, business people, the clergy, military officers, politicians and public servants. Previous PIPSA Conferences have been held in Noosa and Melbourne, Australia, the Cook Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Palau, New Zealand and Samoa.