Establishment and Mandate
The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) was established as the New Guinea Research Unit (NGRU) of the Australian National University in 1961. When PNG gained independence in 1975, the NGRU became the Institute for Applied Social and Economic Research (IASER), and in 1993 was officially recognised as the National Research Institute. The PNG NRI is an independent statutory authority established by an Act of Parliament in 1988 and confirmed by the IASER (Amendment) Act 1993 to conduct independent policy research into economic and social development issues affecting PNG.
The Act states that the functions of the PNG NRI are:“(a) the promotion of research into Papua New Guinea society and the economy”, and in particular “(b), the undertaking of research into social, political and economic problems of Papua New Guinea in order to enable practical solutions to such problems to be formulated.”
Vision and Mission
- The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) is recognised among the leading public policy think tanks in the Asia – Pacific region.
- The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute will provide quality research which contributes to evidence – based public policies and decision – making processes that improve service delivery, leading to better quality of life for all Papua New Guineans.
Motto
PNG NRI is committed to inquiring, informing and influencing Papua New Guinea’s future through conducting cutting-edge policy research, the facilitation of public dialogue, and influencing decision making.
We inquire, to better understand problems.
We inform, to help others understand those problems.
We influence, advocating for effective public policies based on research and evidence.