The "Partnering to Advance Research And Drive Innovation on Sustainability and the Environment" (PARADISE) project focuses on the unique challenges faced by geographically isolated institutions—referred to as "islanded communities." These institutions, Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU), Paul Smith’s College (PSC) in the Adirondacks, NY, and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), represent regions at the forefront of critical environmental issues. The project addresses public health risks, economic disparities, and biodiversity threats that arise from environmental degradation, while seeking to strengthen research and development capacity in these areas.

The core aim of PARADISE is to enable these geographically dispersed colleges and universities to overcome barriers to collaboration and innovation imposed by their physical isolation. By fostering targeted investment and strategic partnerships, the project will cultivate a professional learning network that supports a culture of continuous improvement. Through collaborative exchanges, the institutions will build the administrative and research infrastructure needed to address region-specific challenges effectively and contribute to broader national initiatives.

The project has tailored goals for each partner institution, reflecting their unique strengths and challenges. Hawai‘i Pacific University will focus on enhancing technology transfer capabilities and aligning its research initiatives with industry demands in environmental engineering. Paul Smith’s College plans to restructure its research administration to bolster advancements in natural resource conservation and forestry. Meanwhile, the University of the Virgin Islands will emphasize building community-industry relations and addressing the environmental legacies of past industrial activities. Across all three institutions, incentives for faculty and student research, training programs, and capacity-building efforts will ensure sustained impact and innovation.

A distinctive aspect of PARADISE is its commitment to leveraging environmental expertise, cultural connections, and indigenous knowledge to shape national research agendas. This holistic approach enables the institutions to tackle regional challenges while contributing valuable insights to national and global sustainability efforts. By enhancing their ability to conduct impactful research, the PARADISE project supports sustainable economic growth, fosters collaboration across sectors, and strengthens the resilience of islanded communities against environmental crises.

This project exemplifies the National Science Foundation's dedication to advancing intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, ensuring that the outcomes of this initiative resonate beyond the participating institutions and their regions.