23 Sep 2010

PNG open to US Navy research base plans

2:18 pm on 23 September 2010

A scientist at the University of Papua New Guinea says the institute would benefit greatly if the US Navy chose to set up a research base on its campus.

The US Navy Medical Research Unit is searching for a new base in the Pacific and has shown interest in the PNG Institute of Medical Research in Goroka and the University of PNG's School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Port Moresby.

The school's Executive Dean, Professor Sir Isi Kevau, says he does not know why the navy is searching for a new base but welcomes the idea of collaborative science and research.

"The benefits for the school are just like any other collaborative research project we do to benefit, such as publication of papers and production of perhaps acquisition of equipment etc."

Professor Sir Isi Kevau says the US Navy is yet to announce where it will set up its new base.