The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Jim Marurai, has announced the head of a new office to monitor and get copies of all research done in the Cook Islands.
Mr Marurai told the Cook Islands Times a new legal requirement meant all research results, including those by overseas researchers and organisations, must be copied to the Government.
Caroline Tiria, previously of the Audit Office, will be the country's Research Director.
Her role will include screening of all applications from organisations and persons wishing to carry out research of any nature in the Cook Islands.
There would also be a 50 New Zealand dollar fee payable upon application.
Ms Tiria told the Cook Islands Times her first tasks include putting procedures in place and looking for staff.
