Papua New Guinean Anthropologist Redefining Pacific Identity and Research

A prominent Papua New Guinean social scientist is sparking a fresh conversation on what it means to be an Indigenous researcher in a field historically dominated by outside perspectives. Dr Nalisa Neuendorf, a Gulf woman who leads the social science team at the PNG Institute of Medical Research in Goroka, spoke on Tuesday with presenter Wendy Mocke about the evolving nature of anthropology and identity. Historically, anthropology in the Pacific has been characterized by outsiders entering villages to record and interpret cultures for a global audience—a process that Dr Neuendorf suggests changes significantly when the researcher is a member of the community. In her interview on ABC Radio Australia’s 'Stories from the Pacific', she reflected on the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a local academic who spent much of her childhood in Australia. Dr Neuendorf shared that she has frequently faced the question of whether she is "Papua New Guinean enough," a sentiment common among those who grow up away from their ancestral lands. Despite her time in cities like Hobart, Darwin, and Brisbane, she identifies strongly with her roots and described herself as an "honorary Highlander" due to her extensive time living and working in Goroka, Eastern Highlands. Both of Dr Neuendorf's parents hail from the Gulf Province on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. Her story highlights a positive shift toward Indigenous-led research, where personal connection to the land and community informs scientific inquiry. By embracing her identity as a "proud nerd" and a community-focused academic, Dr Neuendorf is helping to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern social science, ensuring that Pacific stories are told and understood from within.