By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
University of Natural Resources and Environment researcher Kathleen Diapong has been named Innovator of the Year, taking home K10,000 for her Local Stockfeed Formulation at the 8th PNG Research, Science and Technology Conference hosted at the University of Goroka this year in the Eastern Highlands Province.
Ms Diapong emerged as the overall winner following the inaugural Science Expo, which showcased innovative projects developed by researchers and students from universities and other institutions across Papua New Guinea.
Her K10,000 prize was sponsored by the PNG Research, Science and Technology Council Secretariat, while winners in the other award categories received K5,000 each.
The Male Innovator of the Year award went to Philemon Kama of the University of Goroka for his Hybrid Solar Power project.
Meili Vanoh and Eugeniah Mbuleau from PNG University of Technology were named Female Innovators of the Year for their “Road Reporting App.”
The Rookie/Young Innovators of the Year award went to Naomi Aita and Noella Tsigese of Unitech for their “RuaLingo Language App.”
George Sogari of the University of Goroka received the Student Innovator of the Year award for his “Home Automation System.”
The Best Booth/Display award went to Eagle Vertiver System, while Sharon Namiai and Tahila Miamba of the University of Papua New Guinea were recognised as Group Innovators of the Year for their “Peri Oil” Treatment project.
The awards were a key highlight of the four-day conference, which concluded last Friday at the University of Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province.
The conference was hosted by the University of Goroka in partnership with the PNG Institute of Medical Research in Goroka, and funded by the Department of National Planning through the PNG Research, Science and Technology Council Secretariat.
Held under the theme “Refocusing Science, Technology and Innovation for Inclusive Growth, Resilience, and Prosperity for the Future,” the conference brought together researchers, academics, students and other stakeholders to share research and showcase innovations addressing PNG’s development challenges.
The inaugural Science Expo provided a platform for participants to take their work beyond research papers and demonstrate practical innovations in areas including renewable energy, digital technology and agriculture.
The awards have highlighted the growing range of research and innovation being developed by PNG’s universities and young researchers.
The award was presented by the University of Goroka Vice Chancellor Dr Teng Waninga at the end of the conference at the Mark Auditorium Stadium.
