The Fiji National University (FNU), College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) and the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR) officially launched the Institutional Research Repository at the Novotel Convention Centre earlier today.

Fiji National University representatives at the official launch of the Institutional Research Repository at the Novotel Convention Centre

Speaking at the event, CMNHS Dean, Dr William May said that research was a powerful tool, and that the repository would be an important resource for staff, students, and researchers alike.

The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Pacific Community (SPC) funded project was crucial to research, innovation, and development in the medical and healthcare sector.

FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Paul Iji, commended the college and collaborators for their contributions towards improving research and innovation not only in Fiji but the Pacific.

“I want to express my admiration and congratulations to the College and its partners for creating the FNU-CMNHS FIPHR Institutional Research Repository. This is a valuable collection of research conducted by faculty and students from the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) in Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries and Territories,” said Dr Paul.

“The repository stores, preserves, archives, promotes, and shares digital copies of academic research output. It will complement the Knowledge Translation Platform within the Pacific Health Observatory, providing evidence-based information in the Pacific and beyond.”

He added that the establishment of the database was a significant achievement that will contribute to the development of health policies and support the delivery of health services in Pacific Island Countries and Territories through the timely dissemination and translation of relevant health research.

Professor Iji thanked the Government of Australia for their generous financial support through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as to the Pacific Community for their kind support.

“This support will enable us to assist current and future Pacific researchers in responding to the region’s health agenda and promote improved health outcomes,” said Professor Iji.

The repository can be accessed using the link https://repository.fnu.ac.fj/