July 21, 2010

The access to ICT will be among the major areas of discussion at the 3rd Science and Technology Initiative Conference at DWU next month. Pictured is a class in session at the Business Information Systems Department at the University with lecturer, Dr Peter Anderson in the background. Dr Anderson who is head of the department will also present a paper at the conference.

The importance of science and technology in improving human development in PNG will be under the microscope of a major conference at Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang next month.

This will be when DWU hosts the 3rd Science and Technology Initiative (STI) Conference from 16 August to 20 August.

The DWU conference will be held under the theme “Improving and Enhancing Human Development in Papua New Guinea through Scientific and Technological Innovative Approaches”.

The DWU organizing committee chaired by Professor Francis Hombhanje expects over 200 participants from the six PNG universities, the Australian National University and the PNG Institute of Medical Research.  The six PNG universities are DWU, University of Papua New Guinea, PNG University of Technology, University of Goroka, University of Natural Resources and Environment and Pacific Adventist University.

The main topics for the different sessions over the five days include innovative technologies and natural sciences, information and communication technology and telecommunication, natural products and forestation, higher education and education, mining and engineering, health and environment and agriculture and conservation.

Papers from the host university, DWU will be presented by Ms Thadreina Abady and Ms Lorna Dene on “Discovering fresh aspects of geometry, algebra, and calculus in PNG stamps, string bags and traditional house wall patterns”;

Dr Alfred Tivinarlik and Mr Chandana Silva on “PNG Academic and Research Network (PNGARNet): A hope for all levels of PNG’s education structures”; 
Professor Deane Arganbright on “Creative effect models and enhancing scientific presentations via Microsoft Excel”;

Mr Samuel Roth on “Closing the digital gap through rural empowerment: an e-community initiative”;
and Dr Peter Anderson on “Madang Province Ramu NiCo project: Processes involved in obduction of trace element bearing upper mantle rock on continental crust, enrichment effect on lateritic ore formation, mining operations, transport and refining sequences”.

The conference is an initiative of the Office of Higher Education (OHE) aimed at stimulating research and appreciation of science and technology and the six national universities are required to host it on rotation.

The University of Goroka hosted the inaugural STI conference and the PNG University of Technology was the second host.