NRI partners with Unitech

The National Research Institute (NRI) and the PNG University of Technology (Unitech) have collaborated more on research in generating information for decision-making to develop Papua New Guinea.

The two institutions, after signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) two months ago, started the partnership with Prof Shamsul Akanda, Dean of Postgraduate School, Unitech, hosting a seminar recently held at the PNG NRI Campus in Port Moresby.

NRI Director Dr Osbourne Sanida, in his opening remarks, said: We achieve more if we work together than if we work in isolation”.

He said the NRI Council had made a decision that, if research was to have an effective and meaningful contribution to addressing issues in PNG, then NRI must collaborate effectively with key stakeholders in the research community.

Prof. Akanda, in his presentation on what Unitech is doing, said everyone had a role to play towards meeting the national target.

He said the core function of universities was teaching, research and innovation and the third component, particularly for Unitech, was community participation and collaboration.

“So that whatever we are producing through research goes back to the community and brings benefits that is intended for.”

He said Unitech’s vision was to grow the technocrats for the real world. Prof. Akanda said Unitech was one of the components in achieving national goals and they need stakeholders to work together.

He acknowledged Dr Sanida and Prof. Ora Renagi – Unitech Vice Chancellor, for the initiative to work together.

Stakeholders including Prof. Teatulohi Matainaho, Chairman PNG Science Technology Council and representatives from National Agriculture Research Institute, Institute of Engineers, PNG and the media attended the seminar.

Author: 
Freddy Mou