Fiji National University undertakes research with real-world impact, aligned to national priorities and with global relevance.
As a future-focused, dual-sector university, Fiji National University (FNU) undertakes research with real-world impact, aligned to national priorities and with global relevance.
The University will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to increase the volume of challenge-based research commissioned from FNU by the Fijian Government and international agencies and the impact of FNU research on policy and practice.
In it’s recently launched FNU Strategic Plan 2021-2026, Research with Real-World Impact is the second of four key pillars that will aid the institution in its next stage of development. Interdisciplinary will be key, as the National Development Plan (NDP) recognises: the integrated nature of development and the need for multi-sectoral solutions.
Highlighted below are initiatives undertaken by FNU in terms of Research:
Launch of new HDR programmes
FNU is now offering new higher degrees by research (PhD and Masters) programmes in key disciplines. Research projects undertaken by Higher Degrees by Research students strengthen our capacity to generate value from new ideas and inventiveness.
The new higher degrees by research (PhD and Masters by Research) programmes at FNU are of international standards, meeting the requirements of Quality Assurance Agency, UK; Australian Qualification Framework 10 and Fiji Higher Education Commission Framework 10.
Academic receives ACU research grant and FNU to hold an international virtual workshop
FNU academic, Dr Jimaima Lako, was recently named one of four recipients of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Climate Resilience Challenge Grant worth $7, 000. The ACU grant is awarded to member universities to support initiatives addressing climate resilience, key areas of enhancing the climate resilience of universities and or enhancing universities’ contribution to the resilience of communities, businesses and government.
Out of the 79 applications, Dr Lako was awarded the grant based on her research proposal to develop a model on the relationship between Fiji’s sea surface temperature, coral bleaching and ciguatera fish poisoning. According to Dr Lako the proposed research was important as abrupt changes in the natural ocean environment, including increased seawater temperature due to climate change, increased the distribution and growth of toxic algae, which lead to the increase in the incidence of ciguatera fish poisoning.
FNU’s collaborative research indicates less salt intake could save lives in Fiji
A Fiji National University (FNU) collaborative research project shows that minimal government investment in reducing salt intake could prevent 234 heart attacks and 72 strokes, resulting in 131 Fijian lives saved, and saving the government nearly $2million (FJD) each year.
The study – ‘The Potential Impact of Salt Reduction in Fiji’ – was carried out by Health Technology Analysts as part of a collaboration between the Pacific Research Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (C-POND), a WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention and Management at the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR), the research arm of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences (CMNHS) and leading Australian Universities. The report highlighted that the current average daily salt intake in Fiji is 11.7 grams per day, more than twice the WHO recommended level of 5 grams per day.
The report demonstrated that a minimal investment in a salt reduction program is likely to yield a positive social return on investment by reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular diseases in Fiji. Dr Gade Waqa, the Head of C-POND, at the FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Research Unit said this research project capitalises on the benefits of implementing salt reduction programs throughout Fiji, leading to the prevention of stroke and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) events.
The FNU Strategic Plan 2021-2026 was launched by FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson and can be viewed online by clicking here.