Our Collaborations in Health Research

OCHRe (Our Collaborations in Health Research):

A national network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers

OCHRe is one of the largest cohorts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers ever assembled in Australia. Its goal is to support and develop the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research leaders and improve the health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Nations people.

Funding:

The network is funded by the NHMRC and is co-led by Gail Garvey (The University of Queensland), Alex Brown (Australian National University), Paul Stewart (Lowitja Institute) and Sandra Eades AO (The University of Melbourne).

Aims:

OCHRe’s collective vision is the establishment of a culturally secure and inclusive network of Indigenous researchers across Australia and sovereign Indigenous Nations, that builds unique skills at the interface of culture, science, and health research and translates to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. It is fundamental that the foundations of the network are embedded in our cultural roots (or ancestry).

Our use of OCHRe is symbolic of our diverse and valuable knowledges (our ways of knowing, being and doing) that have been passed on through the generations for over 60,000 years. The development and achievements of the network need to amplify our Indigenous knowledge, and be handed onto future generations, across Australia, through a strong and sustainable OCHRe National Network.

OCHRe is focused on the following key outcomes:

  • Culturally appropriate governance

  • A Health and Wellbeing Impact Framework

  • Growth and sustainability

  • A research capability program that strives for excellence in two worlds

  • Excellence in community engagement

  • Connectedness

  • Culturally safe research ecosystem

  • The next generation of Indigenous leaders.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES:

World Indigenous
Suicide Prevention Conference

4 - 7 November 2026
Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa (Hamilton, New Zealand)

For more information, click here

INIHKD Conference 2026

9 - 13 November 2026 | Rarotonga, Cook Islands

For more information, click here

First Nations Data Governance & Sovereignty

11 - 12 November 2026 | Melbourne

For more information, click here

7th National HREC Conference

16 - 19 November 2026 | Free online

For more information, click here

CATSINaM National Conference

17 - 19 November 2026 | Mparntwe, NT

For more information, click here

AHA National Conference

30 - 2 December 2026 | Boorloo (Perth)

For more information, click here

SAVE THE DATE

Aboriginal Health Showcase 2027

15 - 16 March 2027 | Melbourne

Email enquiries: mach-admin@unimelb.edu.au

12th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health (IMICH)

28 - 30 May 2027 | Portland, Oregon, USA

For more information, click here

5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference

8-10 June 2027 | Garramilla (Darwin) 

For more information, click here

OUR VISION

A culturally secure and inclusive network of Indigenous researchers across Australia and sovereign Indigenous Nations, that builds unique skills at the interface of culture, science, and health research and translates to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

ABOUT US

Network hubs and investigators

MEMBERSHIP

Join our network

OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs, training and scholarships