OUTRIGGER / THE BLOG OF THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE

THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE at the Australian National University has announced the creation of the Hank Nelson Memorial Endowment to celebrate the pioneering and enduring contribution of Hank Nelson [pictured] to the study of the history, politics and society of Papua New Guinea.

Hank arrived in PNG in 1966 to teach at the Administrative College, moving in 1968 to become a lecturer in history at the newly established University of Papua New Guinea.

In 1973, he took up a research position in Pacific History at the Australian National University, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Throughout his career, Hank worked through his teaching, writing, and commentary to promote a better understanding and knowledge of PNG and its peoples.

While his interests were varied, his work on PNG remained the hallmark of his academic career. In 2008, he became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of more than four decades service as a teacher, mentor and scholar.

The Hank Nelson Memorial Endowment, established within the ANU, will promote Hank’s lifelong passion for Papua New Guinea. Initially, it aims to support an annual award for the best higher degree research thesis submitted by any student, internationally, on any aspect of PNG’s history, politics and society. The Endowment will be managed by a group of Pacific scholars.

For further information or to make a gift over the phone please contact Dr Michael Cookson, Executive Officer, ANU Pacific Institute on + 61 2 6125 0188 or email [email protected]. You can also make a donation online at the secure site: http://philanthropy.anu.edu.au/philanthropy/donate-online/search/?cause=hank-nelson-memorial-endowment