Participants at the 1st FNU Research Symposium

The Fiji National University (FNU) hosted its inaugural Research Symposium at its Nasinu Campus, highlighted national challenges across its various sectors of the Fijian economy.

The event, with the theme “Inter-Disciplinary Approaches to National Challenges”, addressed different sectors such as agriculture, health and medical care, climate change, education, and construction.

Dr Eci Naisele

Acknowledging the university’s milestone achievements, Chief Guest and Director of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, Dr Eci Naisele, commended the vision of the University in creating a platform that fosters knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation within higher education.

“With 22 research papers being presented across a wide range of disciplines, this symposium is a clear testament to the University’s commitment to academic inquiry, capacity building, and research excellence,” said Dr Naisele.

He explained one of the major challenges facing modern research, particularly in developing nations, was the lingering influence of colonial history and the persistence of neo-colonial Western educational frameworks and mindsets.

He further elaborated that interdisciplinary research provided a progressive way forward.

“By drawing upon diverse areas of expertise, it enables holistic, inclusive, and practical solutions that align with our national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr Naisele reaffirmed that the Higher Education Commission remains deeply committed to supporting institutions that produce high-impact research benefiting communities, strengthening industries, and building Fiji’s knowledge economy.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said this was a great achievement for a young university like FNU, and she was certain that the symposium would grow in the years to come, with more researchers and participants continuing to find solutions to the issues we face, such as climate change.

She said that with the findings, especially in climate, FNU would proceed with an assessment of all its learning and teaching deliverables to ensure it complied with climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

The symposium brought together academics, researchers, staff, students, and industry representatives from across various sectors.