Our Investigators

UNITE

The University of Melbourne‍ | shawanaa@unimelb.edu.au

Professor Shawana Andrews is a Palawa Trawlwoolway/Pairrebenne woman and serves as Director of the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Associate Dean Indigenous at the University of Melbourne.

With more than 25 years’ experience in Aboriginal health, she began her career as a clinical social worker before moving into research, policy, and academia. Her PhD examined family violence and cultural practice methodologies. Professor Andrews’ work focuses on Indigenous health leadership, truth-telling, and strengthening post-doctoral pathways for Indigenous scholars. She is a published author in the First Knowledges series, with research spanning health leadership, graduate experiences, mothering practices, family violence, and cultural methodologies.

OWL

University of Technology Sydney | scott.avery@uts.edu.au

Dr Scott Avery is a professor of Indigenous disability health and wellbeing at Girra Maa Indigenous Health, University of Technology Sydney. He is an Aboriginal man from the Worimi people and is profoundly deaf.

Dr Scott is a recognised educator, researcher and policy adviser on Indigenous cultural approaches for the inclusion of people with disability. His publication 'Culture is Inclusion' (2018) has influenced national policy across Closing the Gap, Australia’s Disability Strategy, and the Disability Royal Commission.

OWL

Queensland University of Technology | chelsea.bond@qut.edu.au

Professor Chelsea Watego, a Munanjahli and South Sea Islander woman, is Executive Director of QUT’s Carumba Institute. With over 25 years’ experience as a practitioner and researcher, her work critically examines race in health inequalities and pioneers Indigenist Health Humanities.

A prolific writer and public intellectual, Watego is a founding board member of Inala Wangarra, founding Director at the Institute for Collaborative Race Research, and Commissioner for the O’Neill -Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination and Global Health . Her acclaimed debut book, Another Day in the Colony, was published in 2021.

Maali

University of Newcastle 
michelle.kennedy11@newcastle.edu.au

Professor Michelle Kennedy is a Wiradjuri woman, Research Advisor at the Lowitja Institute, and an NHMRC Investigator at the University of Newcastle. With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in community development, social work, and health research.

Professor Kennedy leads nationally recognised research in tobacco control, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research ethics, and Indigenous methodologies. She holds a PhD in Aboriginal Health, a Master of Social Science (Social Work), and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Newcastle, reflecting her strong commitment to advancing Indigenous health and research excellence.

UNITE

Australian National University | alex.brown@anu.edu.au

Professor Alex Brown, is a proud Wadi Wadi and Yuin Nation clinician and researcher. He is currently the  Professor of Indigenous Genomics at The Kids Research Institute and The National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at ANU. 

He has led the establishment of a number of Indigenous health research groups including Menzies School of Health Research, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. His work has focused on understanding and overcoming health inequalities, with a particular focus on CVD, Diabetes and cancer. He has led numerous studies in epidemiology, qualitative research, mixed methods health services research, clinical trials and genomic studies in cardiometabolic disease in Indigenous communities. Alex became the first Indigenous scientist appointed to the CSIRO Board in 2023.

NEXGEN

Jawun Research Institute, CQUniversity | jri@cqu.edu.au‍ ‍| y.cadetjames@cqu.edu.au

Prof Yvonne Cadet-James has some 50 years’ experience in the fields of health and education. As an experienced researcher with a strong track record she has played a significant role in Indigenous research reform.

As a Gugu Badhun nation member she is co-director of the Gugu Badhun Djiman Research Centre. Prof Cadet-James supports Indigenous organisations and communities to control their research agenda through education, training and community led development of research strategies, policies and agreements.|

OWL

tomcalma@gmail.com

Professor Tom Calma, an Aboriginal Elder from the Kungarakan and Iwaidja tribal groups, has over 45 years of experience in Indigenous affairs at local, national, and international levels. He worked in the Australian Public Service for 38 years before retiring in 2010 and now serves as a consultant, volunteer, and academic.

Calma sits on numerous boards and committees addressing rural and remote Australia, health, mental health, suicide prevention, education, culture, language, justice reinvestment, reconciliation, research, and economic development. His lifelong commitment has significantly influenced policy and programs supporting Indigenous communities across Australia.

UNITE

James Cook University | Karla.Canuto@jcu.edu.au

Professor Karla Canuto is a Torres Strait Islander, descended from the Naghir Tribe of the Kulkalgal Clan with bloodline to Panai, Mabuyag Island. She has over 20 years of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research and is dedicated to empowering communities and strengthening the research capacity and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her research includes her NHMRC Investigator Grant Community led Health Promotion in the Torres Strait (2026–2030), which focuses on improving health and wellbeing through preventative and health promotion strategies. 

UNITE

Flinders University kootsy.canuto@flinders.edu.au

Kootsy (Justin) Canuto is a Wagadagam man from the Torres Strait – who was born and raised on Yidinji country (Cairns – FNQ). He is also Associate Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health and Wellbeing at Flinders University and has an affiliation with James Cook University as Principle Research Fellow, Indigenous Men's Health Promotion.

Through his male health research and innate ability to listen and learn, Kootsy has developed strong, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Traditional Owners, leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community organisations across the country. These relationships are of the upmost importance and will continue to guide all elements of his research and personal development.

Maali

The University of Melbourne‍ ‍cacham@unimelb.edu.au

Professor Catherine Chamberlain, a Trawlwoolway (Palawa) woman from Tasmania, is a midwife and public health researcher with over 30 years of experience in the health sector.

Since completing her PhD in 2015, she has led impactful research to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Her work has influenced national and international guidelines, particularly in smoking cessation during pregnancy and diabetes care.

She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, secured over $40 million in research funding, and received several prestigious awards. She currently leads large-scale perinatal health projects and serves as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of First Nations Health and Wellbeing – The Lowitja Journal and Chief Midwifery Officer for CATSINaM.

NEXGEN (Hub Coordinator)

The University of Queensland
h.dantoine@uq.edu.au

UNITE

Charles Stuart University   kdoyle@csu.edu.au

Professor Aunty Kerrie Doyle, Associate Dean of Indigenous Health at Western Sydney University’s School of Medicine, is a Winninninni/Cadigal/Irish woman and one of the first Indigenous women to graduate from Oxford University. She chairs the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Clinical Academic Group at SPHERE, serves on the Council of Elders for CATSINaM, and is a board member for Ngaramura Aboriginal, Maori and Pacific Islander Corporation.

Her research focuses on education, cultural proficiency, social determinants of health, and Indigenous health. A prolific academic and media spokesperson, she has published extensively, presented internationally, and co-authored book chapters on Indigenous issues.

OWL

The University of Western Australia‍ ‍pat.dudgeon@uwa.edu.au

Professor Pat Dudgeon, a Bardi woman from the Kimberley, is a leading Indigenous psychologist and researcher at the University of Western Australia.

Her work focuses on Indigenous mental health, suicide prevention, and community empowerment, using culturally responsive and multidisciplinary approaches. She has led major national projects, including the landmark ATSISPEP, which laid the foundation for the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention. She plays a key role in shaping national mental health policies and frameworks.

Professor Dudgeon also contributes to several influential boards and journals, advocating for culturally informed mental health strategies and Indigenous leadership across all levels of care.

Maali  

The University of Queensland   donisha.duff@student.uq.edu.au

Donisha is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. She is a Wuthathi Traditional Owner from Eastern Cape York and has strong family connections to Badu and Moa Islands.

With more than 25 years of experience in health and Indigenous affairs, Donisha has worked across federal and state governments, universities, non-government organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled sectors. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor with Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research at Edith Cowan University, and serves on several Queensland Government boards, contributing her expertise to Indigenous health, education, and leadership.

Maali

Curtin University
Anne-Marie.Eades@curtin.edu.au 

Dr Anne-Marie Eades is a Noongar woman, registered nurse, public health researcher, and Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney.

With more than 25 years of experience in health, including 19 years dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, she is committed to improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples. Her research focuses on Indigenous methodologies, co-design, culturally safe healthcare, and public health. Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Dr Eades develops family- and community-centred approaches that strengthen health systems, reduce health inequities, and promote lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.

Maali

Monash University Sandra.eades@monash.edu 

Professor Sandra Eades, a Noongar woman from Mount Barker, Western Australia, is Professor of Indigenous Health in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash.

She graduated in medicine in 1990 and, in 2003, became Australia’s first Aboriginal medical doctor to earn a PhD. Her research focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly mothers, infants, and families. Beginning her research career at the Telethon Kids Institute, she has made significant contributions to public health research, policy, and advocacy, earning national recognition for her leadership and achievements.

OWL

Batchelor Institute

Maali

Edith Cowan University                                       f.eades@ecu.edu.au

Professor Francine Eades PSM MAE, is a Menang Noongar woman, from the Great Southern region of WA, Francine brings 30+ years’ experience in the health systems and the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector. She has a nursing background and completed formal public health training via a Master of Applied Epidemiology – Indigenous Health. In 2024, she was awarded a Public Service Medal, for working with Aboriginal leaders, Elders and communities across WA. She has worked as a Health Service Executive at the EMHS based at the Royal Perth Hospital to progress the Aboriginal health agenda. She is now employed as Professor Indigenous Health a joint role between the ECU School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Kurongkurl Katitjin.

The University of Melbourne
karynf@unimelb.edu.au

Karyn is a Yorta Yorta woman with more than 20 years’ experience across Aboriginal community-controlled, government and academic sectors, dedicated to improving outcomes for Aboriginal women, babies and children. She is the Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Health Lead and Director, Indigenous, in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on Aboriginal maternal and child health, using population data linkage to understand outcomes and system performance.

Grounded in self-determination, she advances culturally safe care and contributes to governance through leadership roles with Save the Children Australia, Rumbalara Football Netball Club and Goulburn Valley Health.

OWL

The University of Queensland b.fredericks@uq.edu.au  

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks brings over 35 years of experience across the tertiary education sector, government, and Indigenous community organisations. Prof Fredericks is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) at The University of Queensland and a lead in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures. She has held numerous senior roles at Central Queensland University, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and Chair of the Academic Board, and as a Commissioner with the Queensland Productivity Commission where she led the inquiry into service provision in remote Indigenous communities. Bronwyn is also a member of several ARC committees, is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences of Australia, and the Australian Academy of Humanities and received numerous awards for her contributions to Indigenous health and education

NEXGEN

The University of Queensland | g.garvey@uq.edu.au

Professor Gail Garvey (AM) is a proud Kamilaroi woman, an NHMRC Research Leadership Fellow, and Professor of Indigenous Health Research in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland.

Professor Garvey has established an extensive and targeted research program focused on cancer and the wellbeing of Australia’s First Nations people. Gail was among the first researchers to recognise the substantial impact of cancer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and her work has contributed greatly to key policy and practice changes to improve their cancer outcomes. 

NEXGEN

Flinders University jaqui.hughes@flinders.edu.au

Professor Jaquelyne Hughes is a Torres Strait Islander woman (Wagadagam and Panay), Matthew Flinders Professor of Medical Education, and research lead of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Advancement (clinical research) Program within Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Rural and Remote Health, NT. Prof Hughes clinical-research background includes chronic kidney disease, dialysis and supporting innovation within care systems.

Hughes was awarded the 2025 Royal Australasian College of Physicians Arthur E Mills Memorial Medal for her contribution to medical culture and education. Hughes is co-chair of the National Indigenous Kidney Transplant Taskforce, whose purpose is to strive for health systems to improve access to transplant and transplant outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have kidney failure; Hughes also leads the eGFR3 Study, a prospective cohort study which seeks to learn about long term kidney health outcomes. Hughes is Medical Koike of Wagadagam, lead of Kikirriu Dan Walmai Project supporting community development in near-west Torres Strait, co-chair of the Zenadh Health Science Research and Education Council and is Torres Strait research cluster lead within Flinders University Health Equity Impact Program. 

UNITE

The University of Sydney
lisa.jackson-pulver@sydney.edu.au

Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver is Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Sydney and a leading public health expert committed to Indigenous education and inclusion. She has held senior roles at major universities, driving initiatives like “One Sydney Many People,” during her time as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services, building the UNSW. Murri Marri Health Unit, and scholarship programs that boosted Indigenous student enrolment and attracted significant donor support.

A visionary academic and researcher, she advocates for inclusive education and health systems, aiming to create future leaders in Australia and globally. Her work has transformed Indigenous engagement in higher education through innovative strategies and strong community partnerships.

Maali

The University of Melbourne
m.langton@unimelb.edu.au

Professor Marcia Langton AO is a distinguished anthropologist, geographer, and public intellectual who has served as the Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne since 2000. Her expertise spans political and legal anthropology, Indigenous culture, and agreement-making, contributing significantly to national policy and Indigenous affairs.

She has played key roles in initiatives such as the Empowered Communities project and the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition. Her 2012 Boyer Lectures, The Quiet Revolution, enhanced her public profile. Recognised with numerous honours, including membership in the Order of Australia, she became the University of Melbourne’s first Associate Provost in 2017.

OWL

Australian National University raymond.lovett@anu.edu.au  

Professor Ray Lovett is a Ngiyampaa (Wongaibon) Pilaar-kiyalu man and a leading Indigenous social epidemiologist. For over two decades, his work has focused on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing through Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and policy-relevant research and evaluation.

He is the Director of Mayi Kuwayu: The National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing at the Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, at the Australian National University. Mayi Kuwayu is one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–led longitudinal cohort studies in Australia and is grounded in Indigenous Data Sovereignty and community governance. An NHMRC Research Fellow, his work has continued to shape national evidence on culture, policy impacts, and preventive health, with strong accountability to communities.

NEXGEN

The University of Sydney veronica.matthews@sydney.edu.au

Veronica Matthews is a Quandamooka woman from Minjerribah and a Principal Research Fellow at the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney.

With over 20 years’ experience in Indigenous health, she leads national research on health systems, primary care, and the social, cultural and environmental determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She co-leads the Indigenous Knowledges Theme of the HEAL Network and supports community led climate change adaptation and wellbeing projects. She has advanced quantitative skills, strong sector networks, and experience in grassroots participatory research to improve health outcomes.

Maali

Edith Cowan University
d.mcaullay@ecu.edu.au

Professor Dan McAullay is a national leader in Aboriginal health research. He is currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at Edith Cowan University. He holds qualifications in nursing, epidemiology, and public health, including a Master of Applied Epidemiology and a PhD.
Professor McAullay is widely recognised for his contributions to developing national standards for ethical research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. His research spans maternal, infant and child health, primary healthcare, and broader health services research. 

Professor McAullay also contributes to several high-level boards and advisory committees. He currently serves on the Stars Foundation board, is a Trustee of the Western Australian Museum and a member of the FHRI Advisory Council.

NEXGEN

Menzies School of Health Research leisa.mccarthy@menzies.edu.au  

Dr Leisa McCarthy is a Warumungu woman from the Northern Territory and started her career training to be an Aboriginal Health Worker before undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition) and Masters Community Nutrition to work as a Public Health Nutritionist. Leisa has worked in Aboriginal Health for 30 years and has held positions in policy, management, coordination and service delivery at the national, state/territory governments, non-government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and a Research Institute.

Her passion is in continuing to grow the future of Aboriginal leadership in health and building on communities’ strengths for positive and sustainable change.

OWL

National Disability Insurance Agency
janine.mohamed@ndis.gov.au  

Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed is a proud Narrunga Kaurna woman and a nationally respected Aboriginal leader in health, research, and disability policy. Over more than 25 years, she has held influential roles across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector, including senior positions at AHCSA, NACCHO, and as CEO of CATSINaM, where she led the landmark embedding of cultural safety into national health practitioner registration legislation.

NEXGEN

Deakin University ‍ ‍yin.paradies@deakin.edu.au‍ ‍

As Chair in Race Relations, Professor Paradies conducts research on the health, social and economic effects of racism as well as anti-racism theory, policy and practice across diverse settings, including online, in workplaces,
schools, universities, housing, the arts, and health. He also teaches and undertakes research in Indigenous knowledges and decolonisation. He has authored 278 publications, including 196 peer-reviewed articles, 28 book chapters and two monographs.

UNITE

The Kids Research Institute Australia
glenn.pearson@thekids.org.au

Associate Professor Glenn Pearson is a Nyoongar leader and Director of First Nations Strategy and Leadership at The Kids Research Institute Australia, on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar. A member of the Executive Team, he leads the integration of Indigenous health across research and operations. With 15 years’ experience in government across health, education and child protection, Glenn has established research programs in youth mental health, suicide, child development and FASD, and led the Kimberley Office model for Aboriginal research partnerships. His current work focuses on Rheumatic Heart Disease as Indigenous Lead for the END RHD Program and ASAVI.

UNITE

South Australian Medical Research Institute
odette.pearson@sahmri.com

Professor Odette Pearson (Kuku Yalanji/Torres Strait Islander) co-leads the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme at SAHMRI and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Adelaide. Her expertise spans Indigenous health policy, systems and inequity, with a focus on how institutional practices shape health outcomes. She uses community-level administrative data and Indigenous data governance to examine disparities within and between populations.

Her work integrates epidemiology, health services research and policy to strengthen wellbeing frameworks, workforce systems and prevention strategies, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and improving health and social system responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

UNITE

Central Queensland University and QAIHC‍ ‍
g.pratt2@cqu.edu.au

Greg Pratt, a Quandamooka descendant who grew up with the Ghughu Yalanghi people, is an experienced Aboriginal mental health practitioner with expertise in policy, research, and health services. He led statewide consultations for “GenetiQs” in 2018, creating guidelines for genomic research involving First Nations peoples, and developed genomic health literacy resources in 2019.

His team has worked on workforce needs for precision medicine and coordinated care models. Greg also leads research in mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, conducting over 150 community engagements over the past five years. He is committed to empowering Aboriginal sovereignty and equitable access to health research.

OWL

Australian National University
Craig.ritchie@anu.edu.au

Craig Ritchie, an Aboriginal man of the Dhunghutti and Biripi nations, is an independent advisor and researcher and former CEO of AIATSIS (2017–2023). With over 20 years in the public sector, he has led initiatives in Indigenous higher education, health, and international student mobility, and previously served as CEO of NACCHO. A founding member of the APS Indigenous SES Network, Craig is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne and holds degrees in literature, history, classics, education, and management.

He is completing a PhD at ANU on “Culture and Policymaking,” exploring cultural foundations for better Aboriginal policy.

NEXGEN

Charles Darwin University
yvette.roe@cdu.edu.au

NEXGEN

The University of Melbourne sean.taylor.1@unimelb.edu.au

Professor Sean Taylor is Director of the Onemda Centre and Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and Melbourne School of Health Sciences. He has over 20 years of clinical experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, beginning his career as an Indigenous health worker on Mer Island in the mid-1990s.

Professor Taylor holds multiple qualifications, including nursing, health sciences, diabetes management, and a Doctor of Public Health from James Cook University. His work focuses on capacity building, developing sustainable models for systemic change, strengthening leadership, and mentoring future Indigenous health professionals to improve long-term health outcomes.

NEXGEN

University of New South Wales
m.toombs@unsw.edu.au

NEXGEN

The University of Sydney‍ ‍jakelin.troy@sydney.edu.au

Professor Troy, a Ngarigu woman from the Snowy Mountains, focuses on documenting, describing, and reviving Indigenous languages. Recently, her work has expanded to Indigenous languages of Pakistan, including Saraiki and Torwali. She holds two ARC Discovery Projects: one with Prof. John Maynard on the history of Aboriginal missions and reserves, and another on the practice of ‘corroboree’ during mid-20th century assimilation. Her research emphasizes Indigenous methodologies and community-engaged practices.

Troy is committed to preserving cultural heritage through language revitalization and historical research, contributing to understanding Aboriginal experiences and traditions while fostering inclusive, culturally grounded scholarship.

OWL

The University of Queensland
james.ward@uq.edu.au  

Professor James Ward, a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, is a leading infectious diseases epidemiologist and Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at The University of Queensland. With over 25 years in Aboriginal public health, he has built a national research program focused on preventing STIs, HIV, and hepatitis in Indigenous communities.

His extensive experience spans government, academia, and advisory roles, and he has contributed to over 160 publications and numerous national and international health committees.

OWL

James Cook University
felecia.watkin@jcu.edu.au

OWL

James Cook University
roianne.west@jcu.edu.au

Maali

Curtin University
Robyn.Williams@curtin.edu.au

Professor Robyn Williams has 35 years of experience working with Indigenous communities across Australia, primarily in the Northern Territory.

With nursing and education qualifications, her expertise includes cross-cultural curriculum development, program implementation, evaluation of community-based programs, Continuous Quality Improvement, and qualitative research in Indigenous health.

She coordinates the Bachelor of Health Science at CDU, developing a cultural competency framework and remote health pathway for nursing. Robyn collaborates with NT Department of Health, AMSANT, IAHA, Lowitja Institute, and others. Currently completing a PhD, her research explores preparing health professionals to deliver culturally safe care in Indigenous primary health settings.

UNITE

jacinta.elston@gmail.com

OWL

University of Technology Sydney
Megan.Williams@uts.edu.au