Measuring Impact

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12/2002: New fellowships commemorate leading agricultural researcher

MEDIA RELEASE
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON CHRIS GALLUS MP
04 Dec 2002

The Federal Government today named the first four agricultural researchers to receive a John Dillon Memorial Fellowship aimed at enhancing research leadership skills in developing countries.

Selected from a field of 57, two are from Papua New Guinea, one from Indonesia and one from Cambodia. All hold key positions within their home institutions and are expected to be future leaders in their field of expertise.

Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Chris Gallus, says the fellowships fund outstanding potential leaders in agricultural research, management or extension to spend up to three months in Australia on a program of formal training and visits to relevant research institutions. Each fellow's program is tailored to best meet their individual needs.

'Australia has world-leading capacity in agricultural research, and, through the Government's aid program, is sharing that through targeted training programs and fellowships as well as collaborative research projects,' Mrs Gallus said.

'Investing in potential leaders from some of our neighbouring countries results in knowledge sharing and relationship building as well as skills development in management and governance.'

Each visit will be hosted by an Australian organisation, where the fellow will spend at least half of their time. The formal component of the program will involve participation in advanced training courses, with the remainder of the time divided between the host organisation and visits to other research institutions.

Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the fellowships were established in recognition of the lifelong contribution to agricultural research by the late Professor John Dillon. Prof Dillon served as Chair of ACIAR's Board of Management and President of the Policy Advisory Council from 1985 to 1994.

The new fellows are:

  • Mr Lastus Kuniata, Senior Agronomist (Head of R&D), Ramu Sugar Ltd, Papua New Guinea.
  • Ms Rina Oktaviani, Head of Agricultural and Resource Economics Study Program, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia.
  • Mr Suon Sothoeun, Deputy Director, Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture Forests and Fisheries, Cambodia.
  • Mr Nalish Sam, Deputy Director, Forest Research Institute, Papua New Guinea.

Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0407 604437
Janet Lawrence (ACIAR) 02 6217 0537