Dr Birte Komolong

Program Director, Agriculture Systems Program, Papua New Guinea National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)

Dr Komolong has over 20 years experience working in agricultural research, research management, strategic planning, mentoring and capacity building. She has a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Queensland and joined the Papua New Guinea National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) shortly after completing her studies in 2003 as a Principal Scientist working on management of Taro Leaf Blight and other plant disease problems affecting priority crops in PNG.

A highlight in her career with the Institute was to lead the Institute in developing strategies and research programs that focus on delivery of research outputs firmly linked the needs and opportunities of PNG smallholder farming communities and other stakeholders in the sector and use innovation system principles in enhancing the inputs of research, science and technology along impact pathways.

Her current position as a Program Director for the Agriculture System Program enables her to pursue her interest in agricultural research by working with and mentoring scientists as well as her passion for more impact oriented research planning management.