THE National Research Institute of Papua New Guinea successfully ended their second one-week certificate program in social science research methods (SSRM).
Eighteen participants from various departments and private organizations around the country and in the National Capital District recently attended the program.
The SSRM Program is a new program which was established by the NRI in 2020, earlier in May of this year and hosted the first SSRM program and this is the second program.
Research is a very important skill where Papua New Guineans lack, because they do not study research well in universities in the country.
The Deputy Director for Research, Associate Professor Eugene Ezebilo said that the purpose of the program is to help Papua New Guineans better understand research and to equip them with knowledge and skills on conducting proper research using the right methods and techniques.
He also stated that in Papua New Guinea, obtaining data was very difficult as there are not many data or because the people responsible are hiding those data. So this program will help Papua New Guineans to access data correctly.
Mr Ezebilo encouraged the participants to share what they have learnt with their colleagues and families when they leave. The eighteen participants all graduated with certificates and were all eager to go out and put what they have learnt into practice.
He said the National Research Institute is looking forward to host more programs like this in the future and to teach more Papua New Guineans about research because this is the way forward for PNG.
Wilson Thompson, Acting Chairman for PNGNRI Council during his speech gave a scenario where research was vital.
He said with the COVID-19 vaccination taking place in the country and with many rumors about the side effects of the vaccine affecting people, there is a need for proper research to be conducted so that people will be well informed and there will be no doubts.
“Because there is no proper research, people believe the rumors they see online and that has given them doubts on taking the vaccine.”