Winners of the Fiji National University 2025 Research and Excellence Innovation Awards.
The Fiji National University (FNU) today celebrated its 2025 Research and Innovation Excellence Awards, honouring the dedication, passion and achievements of its researchers, academics and graduate students who are creating knowledge and solutions that make a difference for Fiji and the Pacific.
Among the award recipients was Assistant Professor Dr Ravita Devi Prasad from FNU’s College of Engineering, Technical Vocational Education and Training (CETVET), who received both the Research Innovation Excellence Award and the Research Excellence Award.
Dr Ravita Devi Prasad received her award from the Fiji National University Chancellor, Dr Adi Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola.
Dr Prasad was recognised for her research project titled, Bridging Clean Cooking Energy Gap in Fiji and the Pacific, which is developing sustainable clean cooking energy solutions to support communities across Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Dr Prasad said she was deeply honoured and grateful to everyone who had supported her research journey.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award and sincerely thankful to God for His guidance throughout my journey. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of an incredible team, and I proudly dedicate it to my colleagues at CETVET and my family, whose encouragement and unwavering support have made this achievement possible,” Dr Prasad said.
The awards also celebrated the growing contribution of women researchers at FNU, with female researchers recognised across all four categories, highlighting the important role women continue to play in advancing research, innovation and knowledge creation.
The awards recognised excellence across four categories:
Category A – Research Excellence Awards for Staff
Category B – Excellence Awards for Early Career Researchers
Category C – Research Excellence Awards for Graduate Students
Category D – Research Innovation Excellence Awards
Fiji National University Chancellor, Dr Adi Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola delivered her remark.
The Chief Guest and Chancellor of the University, Dr Adi Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola, said research remains central to FNU’s mission and its contribution to national development.
“Research helps us create knowledge, drive innovation and develop solutions that improve lives. Every discovery, partnership and innovation, strengthens FNU’s contribution to Fiji’s future and our shared vision for a resilient Pacific,” Dr Vudiniabola said.
She added that FNU’s research continues to address important challenges facing communities, including food security, climate resilience, health, engineering and sustainable development.
FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services, Professor Nii-K Plange graced the celebration.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services, Professor Nii-K Plange, said the awards recognised not only research achievements, but also the dedication behind every discovery.
“Research is often quiet and challenging work. It requires curiosity, persistence and the courage to keep searching for answers. But its greatest reward is knowing that the knowledge created can make a real difference in people’s lives,” Professor Plange said.
FNU’s Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Dr Donald Wilson shared his welcome address.
The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Dr Donald Wilson, said the awards have continued to recognise excellence in research since their establishment in 2019.
“Over the past five years, FNU has strengthened its research performance through increased grants, publications, books, patents and creative works. However, the true value of research is not only in these achievements, but in the lives it improves and the communities it serves,” Dr Wilson said.
The ceremony was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Luisa Cikamatana, alongside senior University leaders, researchers, academics, students and distinguished guests, highlighting FNU’s commitment to research excellence and innovation for Fiji and the Pacific.
ENDS