Coral Reef Science & Capacity: Palau’s PICRC Director of Research Geraldine Rengiil represented Palau at the 52nd U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting, and Palau will host the 53rd in May 2027, with working groups covering fisheries, enforcement, and coral disease/restoration plus a NASA remote-sensing training. Health Security: WHO and partners unveiled the Pandemic Fund’s first Western Pacific multi-country project, “Data to Action,” bringing 12 countries (including Palau) together to strengthen surveillance, lab capacity, and outbreak response with a $35.99M grant and major co-financing. Water Testing Upgrades: Palau’s EQPB Water Quality Laboratory was recertified for microbiological testing and gained its first chemistry certification (chlorine residual, turbidity, pH), with staff certified under the U.S. Freely Associated States program. Wildlife Trade Rules: As Palau finalizes national CITES legislation for giant clam exports, farmers and exporters are watching how permits and compliance could affect market access, while a bill would expand state authority over wild clam harvesting. Local STEM Education: Koror students learned how reef soundscapes can reveal marine life and reef health, with researcher Dr. Sophie Nedelec linking underwater acoustics to practical noise-reduction for boats. Biodiversity Discovery: UW–River Falls professor Benjamin Crain identified a new orchid species, Agrostophyllum lkou, found only on Babeldaob Island, highlighting ongoing conservation needs.