8^th RESEARCH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

All Science and Technology followers worldwide in Academia, Government, and Industry are invited to submit an abstract in line with the details provided below. If the abstracts are accepted, register online and attend the 8th PNG Research, Science, and Technology Conference at the University of Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG) from 22nd to 25th September 2026.

Theme

Refocusing Science, Technology, and Innovation for inclusive growth, resilience, and prosperity for the future.

About Conference

Science and technology are vital in shaping our understanding of the world and fostering innovation for the future. The 8th PNG Research, Science and Technology Conference aims to facilitate dialogue among researchers, professionals, educators, policymakers, and students, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle real-world challenges. This event serves as a platform for presenting new research, discussing emerging trends, and inspiring creative solutions that enhance societal well-being. Attendees are encouraged to share knowledge, kindle imagination, spark creativity, and build partnerships while remaining committed to improving the world through scientific advancement. The conference emphasises the importance of curiosity, innovation and collaboration in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Participants are invited to engage in this dynamic exchange of ideas to collectively shape the future of science and technology for a better world.

Registration Fees:

1. Online Observer: PGK50.00

2. International participants: USD100.00

3. PNG National Participants: PGK300.00

4. Registered students: PGK100.00

Invited Guest Speakers for the Opening Ceremony

• Prime Minister, Honorable James Marape

• DHERST Minister, Honorable Kinoka Feo

• Dr. Kulala Mulung, CEO Science & Technology Council Secretariat

• Dr. Teng Waninga, Vice Chancellor, UOG, Conference Host

• Mr. Koney Samuel, Secretary, Department of National Planning and Monitoring 

• Professor Kavanamur (PhD), Managing Director, Kumul Consolidated Holdings

• Australian Consular – AAPNG Representative, POM

• Chinese Embassy Representative

Sub-Themes

1. STEM Education for the 21st Century.

2. Biodiversity and Conservation: The Importance of Ethnoscience in Sustainable Development.

3. Climate Change, Food Security and One Health.

4. Transforming Knowledge into Wealth: Science and Technology for Sustainable Agriculture and a Resilient Future in PNG.

5. Research and Development in Extractive Industries.

6. Ethics in AI for Higher Education in PNG.

Mini-Themes below are derived from subthemes included, but not restricted to:

1. STEM Education: STEM knowledge for sustainable livelihoods and the prosperity of people.
2. Rethinking Curriculum and Pedagogy for the 21st Century: Quality teacher education for developing scientists, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs.
3. Innovation for Inclusive Growth: Empowering Communities through Science and Technology.
4. Climate Science and Community Adaptation: Equity in climate policy, youth/women roles in resilience, relocation planning.
5. Food Security, Nutrition & Agriculture and Rural Technology: Resilient food and cash crops such as coffee, cocoa, copra, vanilla, post-harvest storage, food fortification, biotech for agriculture, climate-smart and commercial production of crops and livestock and farmers’ literacy.
6. Natural Resource Exploration and its Applications for PNG: Agricultural products, natural gas, minerals, and natural disaster resilience.
7. Sports, Lifestyle and Communicable Diseases and their management: Physical activity, Mental health, Medical Diagnostics and Biomedical Infrastructure.
8. Biotechnology and Health Innovations: Vaccines, HIV and STIs, diagnostic kits, medicinal plants, mushrooms, and biotech startups in PNG.
9. Computer Technology and Cybercrimes: Cybersecurity and possible technological innovations to mitigate cybercrimes.
10. AI and Local Innovation: Indigenous language AI, digital technology application and its challenges in various industries, data-driven decision making.
11. Future Skills and Workforce of Tomorrow: Robotics, Automation, digital literacy, and skilling PNG’s youth for MTDP IV industries.
12. Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science: Ethnomathematics, Documenting Indigenous Practices, and Integrating Biodiversity Conservation with Modern Innovation.
13. Digital Technology for Local Knowledge Sharing to Connect Globally: Digital libraries, open access biocultural knowledge, collaborative Pacific research networks.
14. Science Diplomacy and Regional Partnerships: Pacific cooperation in science, technology and innovation, global collaboration, South-Pacific exchanges.
15. Green, Digital and Inclusive: Science & Technology Pathways for PNG’s K200 Billion Economy- Empowering people with appropriate research for Development for prosperity, women and youth in digital industries.
16. Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries through Technology: Eco-tourism innovation, cultural heritage digitisation, creative technology.
17. Entrepreneurship, Startups and SME Innovation: Incubators, innovation hubs, financing science-driven enterprises.
18. Applied nanotechnology: Recycling plastics, bio-waste conversion, sustainable materials innovation.
19. Energy Transition for PNG: Renewable energy, off-grid solar/hydro, hydrogen, biomass, and greener energy efficiency for communities.
20. Blue Economy and Marine Technologies: Fisheries technology, ocean monitoring, marine biodiversity, sustainable coastal livelihoods, policy, regulation and conservation.
21. Multisectoral policy framework: Policies that are backed by Technology and Innovation, driving PNG’s economy and development.