Pacific, Climate & Environment Profile Series: Dr Florence Boulard

Over the past decade, AFRAN has brought together a vibrant community of researchers, educators, practitioners and innovators committed to strengthening collaboration between France, Australia and the Pacific. Together, they are advancing research, fostering partnerships and developing solutions to some of the region's most pressing environmental, social and technological challenges.

As AFRAN celebrates its 10th anniversary—and in the lead-up to COP31—we are proud to launch our Pacific, Climate & Environment Profile Series. Through this series, we will introduce members of our network whose work is helping build a more sustainable, resilient and connected Pacific.

We are delighted to open the series with Dr Florence Boulard, Associate Professor in Humanities and Education at James Cook University and AFRAN's Pacific Hub Leader.

Originally from New Caledonia and now based in Australia for over two decades, Florence has devoted much of her career to strengthening understanding of the Pacific within Australian education. Through innovative curriculum development, student immersion programmes and cross-cultural learning initiatives, she encourages young Australians to engage more deeply with the region they are part of and to build meaningful, lasting connections with its people, cultures and environments.

Her work reflects a strong belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. By creating opportunities for dialogue, shared experiences and intercultural understanding, she is helping prepare future generations to work collaboratively across borders and respond to the complex challenges facing the Pacific.

For Florence, education is not simply about acquiring knowledge—it is about nurturing curiosity, empathy and long-term engagement. It is through these human connections that lasting partnerships are created and regional resilience is strengthened.

We invite you to discover her story and the inspiring work she is leading in the profile below.

AFRAN - Florence Boulard.pdf

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