Verena Thomas

Verena Thomas is a Researcher affiliated with Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice, School of Communication. Her work focuses on participatory media, gender equity, and community-driven initiatives in Papua New Guinea (PNG). She has collaborated extensively on projects addressing gender-based violence, sorcery accusation-related violence, HIV/AIDS awareness, and pandemic response through innovative media approaches.

Her research spans over 200 academic outputs since 2008, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and participatory media projects. Key works include studies on transdisciplinary education, media advocacy for human rights defenders, and community resilience during the global pandemic. Thomas has produced over 95 scholarly works, often co-authored with colleagues like Jackie Kauli and Angela Kelly-Hanku.

Her methodological contributions include integrating visual ethnography and participatory video to empower marginalized communities. Notable projects include the 'Komuniti Tok Piksa' initiative for HIV prevention and the 'Yumi Kirapim Senis' series addressing gender-based violence. Thomas's research bridges media studies, development studies, and indigenous knowledge systems, emphasizing Pacific-specific contexts.