Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme for UNITECH, University of Lae, Papua New Guinea

Project ID: 
ASEM/2004/077
Collaborating Countries: 
Papua New Guinea
Commissioned Organisation: 
University of Queensland, Australia
Project Leader: 
Dr Barry W Norton
Phone: 07 3289 0260
Fax: 07 3289 0103
Email: b.norton@uq.edu.au
Collaborating Institutions: 
  • University of Technology, Papua New Guinea
Project Budget: 
$741,049
Project Duration: 
01/01/2005 - 30/06/2008
Project Extension: 
01/07/2008 - 31/03/2009
ACIAR Research Program Manager: 
Dr Caroline Lemerle
Project Background and Objectives: 

In response to new initiatives by University of Technology (Unitech), Lae in PNG to introduce a program of postgraduate training in 2005, ACIAR funded a scholarship program to support students during their training. It provided funding initially in 2005 for six students (stipend plus all costs associated with project administration and research support). The project intended to train in total nine candidates to Postgraduate Diploma level and six as MPhil graduates. Unitech staff supervised these projects with planning assistance from senior UQ staff, and were encouraged to seek research linkages with existing ACIAR, NARI and industry projects. Progress was reviewed each year and continuation recommended where each year group of students graduated in the prescribed time.

Project Outcomes: 

This scheme has provided a stream of graduates who have been quickly taken up into government departments and research institutes, industry and universities, providing expertise urgently needed by the rapidly developing agricultural industries in PNG.
The value of this joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture and ACIAR is recognised throughout PNG as a relevant model for the future development of locally trained research expertise in PNG. Some recent graduates are now being offered positions in the National Agricultural Research Institutes, are becoming more involved in ACIAR programs, and have been successful applicants for postgraduate training in Australia. Australia agricultural research is a world leader in many fields, and this expertise is being shared with Unitech staff and helping to develop quality graduates who will be future ACIAR collaborators and scientists, advancing the application of the science of agriculture to this very important and close neighbour to Australia.
The success of the program has been huge and a new phase of the ACIAR scholarship scheme was developed to take it further. Its aim is to enhance skills of supervisors for PG supervision, research and research management and to develop graduate students with skills applicable and relevant to PNG's agricultural research needs.