Who says Scientists are not allowed to wear uniforms? At the National Agriculture Research Institute, we are changing old beliefs.
For thirty years, NARI’s contract staff worked without a professional attire.
Budget constraints over the years, made the dream, near impossible, with priority given to field gears for protective wear.
Papua New Guinea celebrated 50 years of Independence and with a national call for renewal and reset, it was timely that NARI finally gifted its staff with a professional look.
In a small but significant ceremony, held at the Allan Quartermain Hall in Bubia, Morobe Province,NARI staff gathered to officially launch the corporate uniforms.
Staff proudly wore the Blue shirts, with black skirts and trousers.
NARI Centres from Keravat, Tambul, Aiyura, Laloki and Kila Kila joined the historic moment via zoom.
Staff acknowledged the Management for a timely gesture, as it signifies professionalism, unity, and pride in serving the sector.
Director General of NARI Dr Nelson Simbiken said while Scientists didn’t need uniforms as they were more focused on technology development and innovation, it was a gesture to unite and motivate the team moving forward.
“The new corporate wear gives pride, motivation and ownership to our staff. For the last 30 years, NARI has not been able to adorn itself with a corporate wear.
“Given varying views, Scientists are not too keen on corporate wears. They put their mind into technology development so corporate wear didn’t mean anything to them but it’s exciting to note that many have embraced it, as it gives them the renewed empowerment.
“We’d like our staff to take ownership, take pride and be motivated and be patriotic,” Dr. Simbiken expressed.
NARI is undergoing three major reforms of technological, institutional and policy and wants staff to contribute effectively to this transformation.
“NARI Reset@50 is a defining call for transformation and reformation of how NARI conducts its research and development in partnership with key stakeholders.
“NARI will upscale its technologies to ensure there is greater transformation of our farmers from being subsistence farmers to agri-entrepreneurs and/or to agri-businesses.
“In NARI, the reset is, what we as individual scientists, research officers, and technologists can do for the country.”
