Abner advocates for regional development

As a proud Bukawa man from Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Abner Yalu's journey in research began in 2004 when he joined the Papua New Guinea National Agriculture Research Institute as a cadet scientist after graduating from the university of Papua New Guinea. During this time, he received invaluable mentoring and supervision from Mr Robert Mayer of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F), who has since retired from his role as Senior Principal Biometrician. Abner also greatly benefited from the Australian Contribution to National Agricultural Research System in PNG (ACNARS) that targeted research competency development from 2004 to 2008 with lots of placements and on the job training in both Australia and PNG.

Over the years, Abner gained experience working in both government, Non-government organisations, and commercial research programs, with several publications ranging from plant breeding studies to agronomic research as well social studies. 
His expertise also includes consulting on experimental and survey design, as well as data analysis across a wide range of research areas, from crop and animal studies to entomological studies and socio-economic baseline surveys, impact assessments, monitoring, and evaluation.

In 2008, he completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Studies at the University of Queensland, followed by his completion in 2023 for a PhD in Social Network Analysis from the University of Sydney. His doctoral research focused on community social network structures and their influence on the adoption of ecologically sustainable cocoa farming practices in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Abner has spent three enriching years in Maningrida, West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, where he supported Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation with various community initiatives, from improving educational outcomes and managing human resources to coordinating bushfoods enterprises and assisting with administrative duties for the Djelk Rangers.

Recently, he joined The Cairns Institute as a Senior Research Officer in Regional and Community Development at James Cook University, working on the Water Project.
Abner is based in Cairns with his son, Ozmond, who is also studying at JCU. Wife, Deborah, and their three daughters, Michal, Prudence, and Zierl, remain in PNG. Deborah manages their family-owned downstream processing company, which was invited to participate in the Tropical Innovations Festival in 2024 in Cairns. Their business focuses on creating innovative, eco-friendly products from coffee, cocoa, virgin coconut oil, spices, oil palm, and flowers, with the goal of reducing environmental impacts along the value chain.

Abner is thrilled to be working with Dr Jim Turnour at The Cairns Institute at James Cook University. He is deeply passionate on advancing regional and community development in Northern Australia, particularly in supporting First Nations community development. He is looking forward to developing new partnerships and contributing to impactful research at The Cairns Institute.
Contact details: abner.yalu@jcu.edu.au

JULY 2025