THE American University of Peace Studies (AUOPS), a research-based institution, on Wednesday, launched the “Center of Research and Strategic Thinking: to promote Scientific Objective Analysis.”

The center will do poll sampling as it relates to issues in Guyana, as well as research on current issues so that the relevant stakeholders can use the research findings to guide policy decisions, enhancing the welfare of Guyanese.

According to Dr. Eton Simon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AUOPS, the center will conduct innovative scientific research, which he said is going to transform Guyana.

“We should have research centers in every corner of this country conducting research on all different topics. If we can have that we will make a tremendous breakthrough because the pace at which research will bring you critical information, it will bring you vital knowledge so that you can make the right decisions,” Dr. Simon explained.

The center, he said, will embark on an innovative scientific research venture in conducting social, economic environmental and institutional research in Guyana, which will help to advance Guyana’s society in an ever changing world.

He noted that as Guyana finds itself to have one of the fastest growing economies, a lot more is needed to be done for sustainable development.

Dr. Simon explained that poll sampling, used often in the United States, gives leaders an idea as to what people are thinking. Leaders then use this information to help in decision making.

“Research is the catalyst for solving problems Guyana is facing. It will also increase the quality of life and decision making and enhance the health and wellbeing of all Guyanese. Research will allow us to better understand the world that we live in and find solutions to problems,” he related.

Dr. Simon added that research empowers citizens to help in gaining knowledge, progressing forward and it also helps to foster economic growth by fuelling innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.

“It will make certain decision making by providing evidence-based insight and mitigating risk. Our research will help to raise awareness of issues relating to work place, social, mental, educational, just to name a few,” he noted

Given the rapid changes the world is going through, he said that research will play a pivotal role in finding solutions to complex problems.

In order to make their findings from research available to the public, the Center of Research will conduct regular research briefings, and it will also host an annual research conference in Guyana.

Research will be done by the AUOPS research body, which is fully trained by the institution.

Moreover, Dr. Nadine Ramsarran, Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs, said that it is their responsibility to conduct research and present their findings to the appropriate persons, depending on the issues, and then having them work to make changes for the further development of Guyana

The AUOPS intends to create more research centers throughout the various regions of Guyana.

AUOPS has been facilitating Guyanese and International Students in qualifying and upgrading their knowledge and skills to be functional in this dynamic society for the past 22 years. The institution focuses on using empirical data to facilitate the needs of the populace.