Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
9 mins ago
Internationally recognised EIT researcher, Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, is the new Research Development Manager of the institute’s Research and Innovation Centre.
Dr Nikula, who is a senior lecturer at the School of Business, has been seconded to the centre to mentor staff researchers and play a role in researcher professional development.
Professor Natalie Waran, Executive Dean and Professor (One Welfare) says she is pleased to welcome Dr Nikula on board.
“As an active researcher, Pii has a wide-ranging research portfolio including political economy and international education, higher education funding & accessibility policies, innovative teaching practices and climate change. She will be an asset to our research and innovation centre team’.”
Dr Nikula says that she sees the new role as a natural progression in her career.
“I am passionate about research and I am committed to helping EIT researchers to achieve their goals and contribute to EIT’s profile as one of the leading applied research institutions.”
“My main role will be supporting the research ambitions of staff and ensuring that we have good professional development opportunities in place to develop early career researchers. I will also be working towards ensuring our staff are well prepared for the Performance Based Research Fund round which will be in 2025.”
“I am looking forward to learning more about the breadth of research within our different discipline areas from health science and nursing to Creative Practice and Māori studies.”
Dr Nikula, who has been at EIT since 2017, says she has seen a far greater emphasis placed on research during this time.
“I think there have been positive developments for research and researchers at EIT, with active applied community centred research now considered to be a key component of the work of the Institute.’”
Regarding the qualities she brings to the role, Dr Nikula says she has “a good understanding” of the needs of a researchers and also knows “the question marks that early career researchers have and will be able to help in this regard.”
Associate Professor Jonathan Sibley, Director of the Research and Innovation Centre, says Dr Nikula would add value to the centre’s work.
“Pii is an experienced researcher and will be well positioned to pass on her knowledge to help support the many different research areas we have at EIT’.”
