MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
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