Papua New Guinea University of Technology Annual Report 2024

Vice Chancellor’s Overview

The year 2024 was another milestone in the growth and transformation of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT). Among the highlights was the full accreditation of all five engineering programs offered by the Faculty of Engineering. In September, Engineers Australia conducted a rigorous review of our programs, including staffing levels, teaching facilities, experimental resources, and curriculum delivery. Students and staff were interviewed, and teaching methods were carefully assessed. On 18 December 2024, the results were released—granting PNGUoT Engineering courses full accreditation. This historic achievement has significantly enhanced the University’s profile, both nationally and regionally, and reaffirmed our reputation for excellence in engineering education.

Alongside this success, PNGUoT made significant strides in strengthening its research capacity and knowledge dissemination. The University launched its inaugural Interdisciplinary Journal of PNGUoT (IJPNGUoT), creating a platform to showcase research generated within our institution. While many of our academic staff continued to publish in leading indexed journals worldwide, we are proud that senior professors chose also to contribute to IJPNGUoT, providing mentorship to younger academics through co-publication opportunities. The journal is already proving to be an invaluable training ground for the next generation of researchers.

Our overall research output also grew considerably. Indexed journal publications increased from approximately 90 in 2023 to 120 in 2024, a remarkable growth that has boosted the University’s global standing and confirmed PNGUoT as the leading university in Papua New Guinea. Our academics remain at the forefront of international research, with several being widely recognized experts in their respective fields.

In 2024, PNGUoT also took an active role in regional scientific collaboration through its involvement in establishing the Pacific Science Academy (PAC). I was honoured to serve on the Establishment Committee, and we are proud that one of our own, Professor Maino, was appointed a Foundation Fellow of the Academy. These engagements further strengthen PNGUoT’s role as an emerging science and technology hub in the Pacific. Complementing these efforts, PNGUoT successfully hosted the Research, Science and Technology Conference, where staff and students showcased their research and innovations to a broad audience.

On the academic access front, the University continued to expand opportunities for students through online learning. Enrolments in online programs grew from 200 in 2023 to around 500 in 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for flexible learning options. Given the constraints on campus enrolments caused by limited accommodation, this expansion represents a vital growth avenue. We are also grateful for the Australian Government’s support in funding the construction of a new 100-bed female dormitory, which will further ease accommodation pressures and promote greater access for women students.

Financially, PNGUoT is proud to have achieved its fifth consecutive year of unqualified audit results. This reflects our commitment to sound governance and transparent financial management. While our administrative processes remain operationally effective, we recognize the need for greater efficiency and are working towards improving systems through automation.

In December 2024, we successfully concluded the 2020–2024 Strategic Plan. An independent performance review indicated that we had achieved approximately 70% of the strategic objectives, a result that reflects the dedication of our executive management and staff. Importantly, the lessons learned from this period have in formed the development of a more focused and realistic Strategic Plan for 2025–2029. With a clear vision to position PNGUoT as the leading science and technology innovation hub in the Pacific region, this new strategy was launched in January 2025 and sets the path for our next phase of growth and impact.

In closing, 2024 has been a year of remarkable progress and achievement for PNGUoT. From academic accreditation to research excellence, from financial integrity to strategic renewal, the University has continued to strengthen its foundation and extend its influence regionally and globally. I extend my deepest gratitude to our staff, students, partners, and supporters for their contributions to these successes. Together, we are shaping PNGUoT into a world-class institution that delivers graduates and research outcomes to meet the real-world needs of our nation and the region.

Professor Ora Renagi OL

Vice Chancellor