Background
Dr Benjamin Saimbel Barcson joined Burnet Institute's Papua New Guinea program as head of program quality in 2026.
In this role, Benjamin draws on extensive expertise to strengthen our programmatic excellence and build a culture of evidence-based impact across Papua New Guinea programs. Originally from Dreikikier in Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Benjamin holds a PhD in International Development from Nagoya University's Graduate School of International Development, Japan, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Development Politics from the University of Papua New Guinea.
Benjamin's career has focused on socioeconomic research and monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptation. He has contributed to numerous projects funded by USAID, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the European Union, covering education, agriculture, climate change, biodiversity, livelihoods and economics. He has a strong interest in data collection to demonstrate evidence and results, evolving into leadership in monitoring, evaluation, learning and adaptation systems that showcase tangible program impact.