Dr Yala left the Institute on April 7, 2017 due to personal reasons.
He was Director since mid-2015 and leaves having had a 22-year association with the Institute since graduating with the University of PNG.
The NRI Council appointed Dr Sanida, who took over as Acting Director from April 10, 2017, until a permanent appointment is made.
Dr Sanida acknowledged the very important contributions of Dr Yala to the PNG NRI and the country, not only in his role as Director, but also in his time as a researcher and policy advocate.
