The National Research Institute today reopened one of its iconic research buildings in Port Moresby.
Renamed the Thomas Webster Research Building, it is part of major developments the institute is undertaking towards fully developing PNG’s first knowledge hub.
In a small but significant event held this morning, NRI staff and, other invited guests witnessed the opening of the refurbished research building.
The building was opened by the son of the late Sir Henry Chow, who was a long serving board chairman of NRI.
The refurbished Research Building is one of the major components of establishing the knowledge hub.
The knowledge hub is, a centre for information, where NRI is aiming to inquire, inform and influence effective public policies for nation building.
Dr. Yala further acknowledged the work done on the research building.
In his speech, Dr. Webster said the dynamics of policy making have shifted over the years. He says, local think tanks like the NRI have taken over a field that was once dominated by external multi-lateral agencies.
He says the building is the laying foundations for the start of a new direction of NRI towards becoming PNG’s own Knowledge Hub.
NRI researchers Logena Nao, and Lucy Hamago shared similar sentiments.
The total cost of the refurbished building was K1.2million. Meanwhile, NRI is finalising the architectural design of the Sir Henry Chow Building, which will be the signature building for the PNG Knowledge Hub.
