Founded by two passionate professionals, our mission-driven company emerged from the fusion of diverse experiences. One of us comes from the field of international development, while the other was pursuing a doctoral thesis in academia. Our paths crossed in Malaysia in 2019.
Inspired by our complementary expertise, academic knowledge, and international networks, we decided to launch this research firm at the end of 2024. Our mission is to produce high-quality research and analysis on priority issues such as the environment, education and psychological safety.
We aim to provide reliable, high-impact insights that directly address the needs of our partners. Driven by scientific rigour and operational efficiency, we integrate smart technologies and innovative communication tools to transform research into practical solutions.
Whenever possible, and with our clients’ agreement, we aim to share our findings widely to maximise their collective impact, contributing to the public good and advancing shared knowledge. Committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we also allocate 5% of our annual profits to supporting non-profit initiatives that strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Dr. Jimmy Stef
It all began with an insatiable curiosity: understand how knowledge circulates, how institutions evolve, and how ideas shape the world. From sociology to statistics, encompassing educational policy analysis, criminology, and economic dynamics, my career has been driven by a core conviction: research must be a catalyst for impact.
Following a CNRS-funded doctoral thesis on the internationalisation of higher education in Southeast Asia, I further pursued this path through two postdoctoral research projects. I examined the dynamics of peace education, citizenship, and academic working conditions. As a scientist and sociologist, I have been able to critically analyse the institutional and social dynamics shaping both Western and non-Western societies.
It was with this vision that Thibault and I co-founded this Research Firm – a space where research meets action, where ideas become strategies. We support private and public organisations striving to combine excellence with social impact, across Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Because knowledge only holds value when it transforms reality.
Thibault Le Pivain
I am driven by the idea of producing information that has concrete applications in the field of development. After several years exploring environmental issues within the United Nations, I decided, together with Jimmy, to establish this research firm to provide tangible solutions to the challenges of ecological transition and education.
Specialising in environmental policies (National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Article 6 of the Paris Agreement), carbon footprint assessment, and climate change adaptation, I have gained on-the-ground experience in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Our approach is based on cross-disciplinary expertise, combining research, consultancy, and training. Convinced that solutions must be both scientific and operational, we work with public institutions, businesses, and international organisations to design high-impact projects.
AUKAI
Beyond its meaning of exploration or passage, Aukai is a term deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, referring to a navigator. These emblematic figures were at the heart of Polynesian maritime tradition, playing a crucial role in the discovery and exploration of the vast Pacific Ocean. Hawaiian master navigators possessed exceptional expertise in celestial navigation, using stars, ocean currents, winds, and other natural cues to guide their vessels with precision. They embodied a perfect blend of technical skill and strategic vision, capable of leading their crew to uncharted lands while ensuring their safety amidst the vast ocean.