FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and Pro-Vice Research and Innovation Professor Paul Iji with the winners.
The Fiji National University has witnessed a surge in research activity, a testament to our collective dedication to building a knowledge-driven society.
Speaking at the Fiji National University (FNU) Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards 2023 at the Tanoa Plaza in Suva, Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the increasing number of secured grants stands as a beacon of trust in our research capabilities.
The FNU’s Office of Research and Innovation recognised the researchers for the work they have been carrying out and contributing towards the growth of the University.
Researchers with the FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki, FNU Senior Leadership Team, Council Members and the visitors at the Research Awards.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the research work of the researchers stands as a testament to the University’s growth.
“Research is about courage, it’s about pushing the frontier. Even when people say no, you must think about whether it’s something you’re convicted to do. You have to find the way I stand here today because I never get no for an answer, especially when it comes to the pursuit of knowledge,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Paul Iji said, along with so many other researchers, that the nominees have contributed to FNU’s growth in research in many areas, such as agriculture, human and animal health, engineering, education, social science, business, tourism, and many other areas of life in Fiji and the rest of the South Pacific.
“Although this is just the third awards event, we have come a long way in research within our short time as a unified institution. Some of our parent institutes were into research before the birth of FNU, but we have raised the bar since FNU was founded in 2010,” Professor Iji said.
“We have achieved this through the appointment of faculty with research experience, further development of research facilities, and collaboration with local and international partners.
The College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Acting Dean, Dr Donald Wilson, received the Research Excellence—Staff award and was also presented with $10000.
“Over the years, besides conducting research and capacity building, I have been helping students who are in need of education expenses , and I am grateful that this prize will be able to help another student achieve his or her dreams through education at CMNHS. I am grateful to be nominated, and thankful to the assessing Committee, and to Madam Vice-Chancellor, for the recognition and this award,” Dr Wilson said.
Dr Royford Magiri from the College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry won the Research Excellence – Early Career Researcher award.
“I am privileged to have received the award and the monetary incentive for my research work, which I have been carrying out. It is an honour for me to receive this award,” Dr Magiri said.
Mohammed Iqbal, who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence – PG (HDR and Coursework Masters) said the university has helped him a lot in terms of shaping his academic career and this money will be utilised for assisting the underprivileged students to clear their debts in the Tuition fees.
The researchers’ winners were awarded nominees were presented with certificates at the Tanoa Plaza in Suva.
Awards for Nominees in each Category
Category A— Research Excellence – Staff
Category B – Research Excellence – Early Career Researcher
Catergory C— Research Excellence Postgraduate Student
Ms Kajal Sharma
Mr Samuela Loaloa
Awards for the Winners
Research Excellence – Postgraduate Student
Mr Mohammed Iqbal
Research Excellence – Early Career Researchers
Dr Royford Magiri
Research Excellence – Staff
Dr Donald Wilson