NRI COUNCIL MEMBERS SWORN IN TO GUIDE THE INSTITUTION’S STRATEGIC DIRECTION

BY SHARON AGAVI

THE Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNGNRI) has sworn in newly appointed council members who will guide the institute’s strategic direction and strengthen research, policy dialogue, and evidence-based decision-making in Papua New Guinea.

The council comprises ten members and is chaired by Wilson Orlegge Thompson.

Four members are appointed by the Head of State, including two members of Parliament Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat, and the Governor for Oro, Garry Juffa.

Also appointed is public servant William Hapipai, along with community representative Mark Worinu, who was not present at the ceremony.

The other six members include the Vice-Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Professor Ora Renagi; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, Professor Ian Findlay, who was absent; and the Director of PNGNRI, Dr Osborne Sanida.

Also on the council are Dr Elizabeth Kopel of PNGNRI and Michael Kumung, a departmental head from the Department of National Planning. Both were unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Those present took their oaths this week at the PNGNRI main campus in Port Moresby.

The ceremony was officiated by the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Kinoka Feo, who congratulated the new council members.

Also in attendance was the Secretary for DHERST, Lonie Baki.

Minister Feo made special mention of parliamentary leaders Garry Juffa and Dr Allan Marat for accepting the call to serve.

He also acknowledged the leadership of PNGNRI Director Dr Osborne Sanida and encouraged council members and staff to work together and continue producing high-quality research papers.

The Minister further announced that his Cabinet has approved an initial endowment fund of K35 million to support social and scientific research across universities nationwide.

He encouraged heads of institutions to prioritise research, noting that funding should no longer be a barrier following the allocation.