Abraham Francis

Abraham Francis is an Associate Professor in Social Work and Human Services at James Cook University in Australia. He has worked with many NGOs and Corporate Sector as a social worker. Dr Francis has initiated and established many international research projects, supported several international field placements, and has been instrumental in establishing international partnerships and research collaborations with Universities and organisations in South Asia. He taught Social Work at the Delhi University in India and also worked as a senior mental health Social Worker with Country Health South Australia, before moving to Townsville to join James Cook University. Dr Francis is associated with many voluntary organisations, associations, professional bodies, and developmental projects both in Australia and India.

Dr Francis is passionate about working and researching in Strengths-based practice in mental health. He has extensively contributed to the literature on Social Work practice in mental health through his publications, convening conferences, establishing research networks and developing consortiums. His other research interests are in the field of communities, criminal justice, international social work, and gerontological social work. His excellence in teaching has likewise been recognised on a number of occasions. For example, in 2010, he was a recipient of James Cook University’s Inclusive Practice Award for his “exceptional support for students with a disability”. In 2016, he received the University’s ‘Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning' for his “leadership and expertise in Social Work education in mental health that inspires and nurtures students to be competent, confident and compassionate practitioners”.

Dr Francis was one of the finalists at the 2018 India Australia business and community awards in the category of Community Services Excellence Award and Business Leader/ Professional of the Year. In 2018, Dr. Francis received the NAPSWI (National Association of Professional Social Workers in India) lifetime achievement for his outstanding contribution to Social Work Education.