Two new deputy directors appointed for PNGIMR | Management Restructure Update | Madang welcomes new Deputy Director | In-House Policy Review meeting | 3 complete Microscopy Training | This quarter in pictures | New Staff | Staff Gone Finish | Staff attend trainings
	Click here to download this newsletter in PDF format (240kB)

Two new deputy directors appointed for PNGIMR

By Llane Munau

Dr Ivo Mueller and Mr Samson Akunaii have been appointed Deputy Directors of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research by the PNGIMR Council, during their meeting in Port Moresby on Friday 20th March 2009.

Dr Mueller was appointed Deputy Director for Research and Mr Akunaii was appointed Acting Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs.

In the past the Institute had only one deputy director, however since PNGIMR is growing at a rapid rate in terms of research projects coming on board and the number of staff increasing, the need to create the two positions was crucial.

According to PNGIMR Director, Professor Peter Siba, who is also a member of the PNGIMR Council, the two Deputy Director positions were created to cater for the Institute’s research work load and the fast growing number of staff.

During a staff gathering at the PNGIMR headquarters in Goroka, Professor Peter Siba congratulated the duo who humbly accepted the appointments, and asked his staff to support them in their work.

He also made it clear that Mr Samson Akunaii was just Acting Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and the position would soon be advertised. Staff of the Institute were ecstatic at the announcement of the two deputy directors and welcomed the news appreciatively.

During the PNGIMR Council meeting, two of PNGIMR’s key positions were also abolished; these were the Finance and Administration Manager’s positions. The two positions were amalgamated, creating the Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs.