Papua New Guinea University of Technology Research Report 2013

FOREWORD

It is my great pleasure to present the 2013 Research Committee Annual Report. It was a hectic year, but we managed to maintain a good rhythm in terms of research and publications. Money was always a constraint, but I would like to see more money is allocated for research and conference purposes. The Research Committee took a bold step in reviewing the 1994 version of Research Management Policies and Guidelines for Unitech with the objectives of promoting research culture in the university. The new policies stipulate development of a corporate research plan, mandatory research plan for the academic departments, promotion of departmental seminars, restoration of university seminar series, increase the upper limit of funding for GAP students, allowing GAP students to attend national and international conferences, etc. Also noteworthy is a new chapter on "Research Ethics" incorporated in the revised version to uphold the integrity of research and publications.

2013 was a successful year in terms of reviving the weekly University research seminar series and departmental bi-weekly research seminars. These seminars were important to transform positively the research culture of the University. A total of 12 University research seminars were presented on different subjects of interest during the second semester of 2013 academic year.

One of the hallmarks of Unitech, the postgraduate student research seminar entered into its 3rd year in 2013. Fifty six PG students presented their research findings during 25-26 September 2013 to showcase the PG studies and research capabilities; communication and presentation skills to wider community to encourage research culture at Unitech and PNG as a whole. This seminar was attended by the representatives from AusAID, ACIAR, FPDA, NARI, DAL and Trukai Industries Ltd, besides the Unitech staff and students.

I take this opportunity to thank the Research Committee members, Executive Officer and Heads of the
Departments for their continued support and contributions.

Professor M. A. Satter
Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) and Chairman
Research Committee