The National Research Institute is Papua New Guinea's leading think tank on public policy and development-related issues and trends.

The Institute advocates the need for research-based information to form the basis for policy debates and discussions. Research and analysis leads to more informed decision making by the Government and, importantly, a greater understanding and awareness in the wider Papua New Guinean society of the development issues that affect their lives. The National Research Institute (NRI) was established and mandated by the NRI Act 1993 (as amended) to conduct research and policy analysis in legal, political, economic, education, social and environmental, and population issues to influence public policy. The Institute is an independent Government Statutory Authority and focuses on generating research information and providing expert advice on a range of policy considerations to its stakeholders, which include: the national government, provincial governments, donor agencies, the private sector, and civil society. NRI also analyses data and carries out research on issues of national importance, and provides briefs to the Government of Papua New Guinea and the parliamentary select committees.

The Institute's research findings are disseminated through seminars, workshops and conferences, and published through a the NRI in-house publication series and regular newspaper columns and articles. The Institute remains committed to the values of seeking knowledge through free forms of enquiry, and generating constructive criticisms and debate that will lead to improved policies and practices.

Partners and Financial Supporters

The Institute's research program is supported by a number of advisers from the AusAID-funded Advisory Support Facility and volunteers from Australian Volunteers International. Other research program areas are supported by the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Major project funding is also provided by the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Department of Health, the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, and the Department of Treasury.