MEDIA RELEASE
21 February 2008
For immediate release
Papua New Guineans benefit from ACIAR scholarships
Nine Papua New Guineans have been awarded scholarships by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to study in Australia.
All nine received either a John Allwright Fellowship or a John Dillon Memorial Fellowship to undertake studies and training at Australian tertiary institutions.
Since the Australian Government introduced the fellowships in 1986, 22 professionals from PNG have completed post graduate training in Australia and a further 25 are currently undertaking their studies.
ACIAR Country Manager Dr Jacqui Wright said: “These fellowships allow scientists from PNG who are involved in ACIAR-supported projects to achieve postgraduate qualifications in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and social science.
“Individual awardees benefit enormously from these fellowships but the primary aim is to enhance the research capacity of PNG institutions. This is part of the shared commitment by Australia and PNG to the development of PNG through agriculture.”
ACIAR is a statutory authority that operates as part of the Australian Government’s development cooperation program.
One of the successful candidates in this round, Mr Vincent Haguluha, will be undertaking a Master of Science at the University of Sydney. His study topic – developing methods to cure bulb onion for better post harvest lifespan – stems from his work on an ACIAR-funded project in the PNG Highlands.
“My organisation, the Fresh Produce Development Agency, and I will both benefit from this fellowship and so will rural vegetable farmers in PNG,” said Mr Haguluha.
Existing PhD scholar, Mr Nalish Sam, said the ACIAR fellowships demonstrated Australia’s commitment to the development of specialists in PNG’s agriculture and renewable resource sector.
Mr Sam, who works for the PNG Forest Research Institute, added: “I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the forestry sector when I return home.”
Media Inquiries: Jacqui Wright or Cathy Pianga on Tel: 325 9333 ext 299 or ext 315; Fax: 323 5296; email [email protected] or [email protected]