Supporting stronger research collaborations between Australia and Papua New Guinea

Professor Teatulohi Matainaho, Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Research, Science and Technology Council and Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Research, Science and Technology Secretariat, visited Canberra in April to participate in the Future Earth Australia workshop. The Academy also organised meetings between Professor Matainaho and Dr Alan Finkel AO FAA FTSE, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Aidan Byrne, CEO of the Australian Research Council, and Professor Anne Kelso, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council. 

As the Chief Science Advisor to the Government, Professor Matainaho is responsible for coordinating scientific and research advice from the PNG Research, Science and Technology Council to the PNG Government.

The Academy is keen to develop greater links with PNG and Professor Cheryl Praeger AM FAA, Foreign Secretary, met with Professor Matainaho to explore ways to strengthen research collaborations between Australia and PNG.