Air Tahiti Nui expands science education in French Polynesia via ProScience partnership
Air Tahiti Nui has broadened its ProScience partnership to deepen science education across French Polynesia, supporting public lectures, workshops and a future planetarium. The initiative continues throughout 2026 and into 2027, targeting students, professionals and the wider community.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Air Tahiti Nui expands support for ProScience science‑education programmes
- Timing
- Activities run through the second half of 2026 and into 2027
- Who is affected
- Students, local professionals and healthcare workers in French Polynesia
The details
Partnership background
ProScience, founded in 1992 at the request of the High Commissioner of French Polynesia, has long organised science festivals and educational events. The association received public‑interest status in 2011 and was awarded the Education Prize at the 2024 Overseas Excellence Awards. Air Tahiti Nui has been a long‑standing sponsor, enabling visiting researchers and speakers to reach local audiences.
Expanded educational activities
During the first half of 2026 the partnership delivered three public lectures on the brain, algae potential and regenerative medicine, as well as specialist training for healthcare professionals on stem cells and neurovisual disorders. In the second half of 2026 three climate‑change lectures are planned, including the Polynesia 2100 lecture on 19 November and a human‑intelligence versus artificial‑intelligence talk on 15 December. Two further courses on neurovisual disorders for healthcare professionals are scheduled for December.
- Public lectures, interactive workshops, exhibitions, school activities, science competitions and planetarium presentations
- Target audiences include students, residents and working professionals
Future developments
Work is under way to acquire a new planetarium in 2027, though the acquisition has not yet been announced as complete. The continued collaboration aims to keep scientific research accessible and relevant to island communities, linking local experts with international specialists.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings to French Polynesia see no change to flight schedules or entry requirements
- Visitors can attend scheduled public lectures without additional registration beyond normal event sign‑ups
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation are required for attending ProScience events
- Air Tahiti Nui’s support does not affect airline ticket prices or visa conditions
What you need to do
- Monitor ProScience announcements for specific lecture dates and venues
- Check local listings for registration details if planning to attend a public lecture
- No additional travel paperwork is needed beyond standard entry requirements
Who this affects
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Students in French Polynesia
ProScience programmes include school activities and science competitions aimed at younger audiences
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Local professionals
Public lectures and workshops address topics of practical interest for working residents
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Healthcare workers
Specialist training on stem cells and neurovisual disorders is offered to medical staff
Frequently asked questions
What is the Air Tahiti Nui ProScience partnership?
The partnership links Air Tahiti Nui with the volunteer‑run ProScience association to fund and organise science‑education events across French Polynesia, including lectures, workshops and future planetarium projects.
When are the upcoming science lectures in 2026?
Key lectures are scheduled for Thursday 19 November 2026 (Polynesia 2100 climate talk) and Tuesday 15 December 2026 (Human Intelligence & Artificial Intelligence discussion), with additional courses for healthcare professionals in December.
Can tourists attend the ProScience public lectures?
Yes, the lectures are open to the public, and tourists may attend without extra fees, following any standard event registration procedures announced locally.
Is a new planetarium being built in French Polynesia?
Work is underway to acquire a new planetarium for 2027, though the acquisition has not yet been confirmed as complete.
Do I need extra documents to travel to French Polynesia for these events?
No additional documentation is required beyond the normal entry requirements for French Polynesia; the partnership does not change visa or travel paperwork.
