OCHRe News
19 and 26 September 2025
Dear OCHRe Members and Friends
We wish you a safe and happy weekend. If you have news you would like to share, please send it through to the team at ochre@uq.edu.au by Wednesday 2pm AEST.
OCHRe Central Hub www.ochrenetwork.org
News:
OCHRe Convocation keynote speakers announced!
We are delighted to welcome four incredible women who will be sharing their insights and bringing invaluable perspectives to First Nations research.
FEATURING:
Prof. Papaarangi Reid – Tumuaki - Deputy Dean Māori, Head of Department,
University of Auckland Te Kupenga Hauora Māori– Specialist in public health medicine, focused on health equity for Māori and other Indigenous People.
Emma Rawson-Te Patu - President-Elect, World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) – First Indigenous women to hold this role and is developing a global public health framework based on Indigenous knowledge and rights.
Prof. Ngiare Brown BMed, MPHTM, FRACGP – Chancellor JCU - First female and first Indigenous Chancellor of James Cook University with a strong commitment to Indigenous health, child safety, and youth development.
Dr. Jackie Huggins AM FAHA – Director, Indigenous Research, The University of Queensland – A leading First Nations scholar, acclaimed historian, and author dedicated to reconciliation.EOI’s & Submissions
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF )
Expression of Interest – Reducing Health Inequities Mission Expert Advisory
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) is inviting applications from people interested in becoming a member of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Reducing Health Inequities Mission (RHIM) Expert Advisory Panel (EAP).
The RHIM is part of the health and medical research initiatives under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and is providing up to $150 million over 10years, starting from 2027-28. The RHIM aims to address inequities in health outcomes by improving access to quality health services by priority populations.
Applications close on 17 October 2025
For further information, click here
National Health and Medical Research Council
The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 was issued on 6 March 2025. The 2025 National Statement will take effect, and replace the 2023 National Statement, from 1 October 2025.
Co-authored by NHMRC, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA), the National Statement is Australia’s principal human research guideline setting out the requirements for the ethical design, review and conduct of
human research in Australia.
The 2025 National Statement and a summary of amendments can be found here. The major changes in this update are to Section 4. The National Statement was developed by NHMRC’s Australian Health Ethics Committee and was informed by public consultation
in accordance with the requirements of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
Health Translation Queensland | Resource
Indigenous Data – Clause Templates and Guidance
This new HTQ resource, developed by Terri Janke and Company,
provides clear and practical template clauses covering intellectual property,
property, moral rights, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP),
and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov). The document is designed to
support research teams to embed best-practice legal, cultural, and ethical
standards into their agreements.
For further information, click here
Online workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples
Join our popular and free workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples.
The workshops will be delivered by Shevaun Wright, Solicitor, Terri Janke and Company.
Workshop 1: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
This session will explore the legal dimensions of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) which, together with cultural sensitivity and respect, provide the cornerstones of research with and for First Nations communities.
Developed by Terri Janke and Company, this workshop is anchored in the unique 'Ten True Tracks® Principles'®, a best practice framework for ethical Indigenous engagement.
Date: 7 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
Workshop 2: Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Explore the concept of Indigenous Data Sovereignty in health research and learn how to apply it through Indigenous Data Governance. This session will explore how these principles can be embedded through culturally responsive approaches and ethically grounded research practices.
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
Indigenous Futures Conference | 4 – 7 November 2025 | Kabi Kabi Country
Indigenous futures unbound: Reimagining Indigenous futures through knowledge and praxis
Novotel Sunshine Coast Region
This conference is a call-to-action.
We ask:
How can we protect the earth, our human kin, and our non-human relatives for the future?
What can our Indigenous futures look like?
How can we future proof our nations? and
What will being Indigenous mean in the future?
Keynote speaker | Professor Audra Simpson is a Kahnawà:ke Mohawk scholar
Professor Audra Simpson is a Kahnawà:ke Mohawk scholar and researches and writes about Indigenous and settler society, politics and history at Columbia University.
Her book, Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States (2014, DUP) won the Sharon Stephens Prize (AES), the “Best first Book Award” (NAISA) as well as the Lora Romero Award (ASA) in addition to honorable mentions.
For further information, click here.
OCHRe Scholarships:
Maali Hub | Current Offers
Indigenous Early / Mid Career Researchers | Health Research Related Support Fund Item
The Maali Hub Indigenous EMCR Health Research Related Support Fund is available to support Early to Mid-Career Researchers with project costs, health research related training, international and national conferences.
This is a continuous Open Round which opened on 1 March 2025 and closes on 30 November 2025.
Research support funding offered includes:
· $10,000 Research support costs
· $5,000 Training
· $5,000 International conference attendance
· $2,500 National conference attendance
Please submit your application to maalihub@ecu.edu.au.
NEXGEN Hub | Current Offers - CLOSING SOON
Health Research Experience Scholarships Program 2025
Round 2 Applications opened on 9 March 2025
NEXGEN are pleased to announce the launch of Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Round 2) 2025 as part of our OCHRe NEXGEN Hub.
For this round, NEXGEN Hub will offer 12 Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Scholarships) valued at $10,000 each. These Scholarships will provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders enrolled in an undergraduate degree (including Honours) or a postgraduate coursework program, to gain or enhance their research experience and skills.
The offer will be offered exclusively to Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944: OCHRe).
This is a continuous Open Round.
Opened | 9 March 2025
Closes | 30 September 2025 or when all Scholarships have been awarded, whichever is the sooner.
Contact | nexgen@sph.uq.edu.au
For further information and application forms for both offers, see OCHRe Website - https://www.ochrenetwork.org/scholarships
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health - Centres and Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
UoM PhD Scholarship Opportunity
Fostering a healthy start to life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Relighting the Firesticks is a community-based participatory research project. This research is based on our learnings and evidence from the pilot project, Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future (HPNF), and the scale up, Replanting the Birthing Tree (RBT) project.
For more information click here OR contact Professor Cath Chamberlain on cacham@unimelb.edu.au
Auora Internship Program | Paid internships that build your career and your impact
Are you a First Nations university student or graduate looking to take the next step in your career?
The Aurora Internship Program offers paid placements with purpose – giving you the chance to gain experience, grow your confidence, and contribute to work that matters.
Interns are placed in organisations working to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. From grassroots nonprofits to research institutes, government, and the private sector. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just bring your curiosity, commitment, and lived experience.
APPLY NOW OR LEARN MORE AT: aurorafoundation.com.au
Scan the QR code for full program details and how to apply.
(And if you’re unsure or have questions, the Aurora team is here to help.)
Webinars, Workshops and
Professional Development
Lowitja Institute
Knowledge Translation Summit 2025
Lowitja Institute invites you to the Knowledge Translation (KT) Summit 2025, an online gathering led by Lowitja Institute. The Summit brings together First Nations peoples, communities, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge, highlight innovation, and influence systems change.
The purpose of this KT Summit is to showcase presentations from Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, providing an opportunity for those who weren't able to join us on Kaurna Country, to hear from First Nations peoples leading national and international programs and research that contribute to better Indigenous health and wellbeing outcomes.
The program will feature keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions across the four conference themes.
Event details
Friday 17 October 2025 | 10:00am – 2:30pm AEDT
Online via Zoom | Register through Eventbrite
Emcee: Justin Noel | Presenters TBC
Online Courses
These online courses were developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. They’re also highly valuable for non-Indigenous people working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research sectors.
The following online courses are available:
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Introduction to Ethics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Community data literacy: Foundations
Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge Translation
Introduction to Evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contexts
For more information and to apply click here.
University of Sydney | Central Sydney (Patyegarang) Precinct
Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion
Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, our Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion aims to improve Indigenous health at a community level. This program will give you the knowledge and skills to identify community needs, develop a plan of action and execute it.
Our program is for Indigenous health practitioners who already have a role in promoting the health of their communities or hold equivalent qualifications. It is designed to give practitioners skills they need to help prevent illness and reduce the harms in the community.
For more information and to apply click here.
Health Translation Queensland
Online workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples
Join our popular and free workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples.
The workshops will be delivered by Shevaun Wright, Solicitor, Terri Janke and Company.
Workshop 1: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
This session will explore the legal dimensions of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) which, together with cultural sensitivity and respect, provide the cornerstones of research with and for First Nations communities.
Developed by Terri Janke and Company, this workshop is anchored in the unique 'Ten True Tracks® Principles'®, a best practice framework for ethical Indigenous engagement.
Date: 7 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
Workshop 2: Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Explore the concept of Indigenous Data Sovereignty in health research and learn how to apply it through Indigenous Data Governance. This session will explore how these principles can be embedded through culturally responsive approaches and ethically grounded research practices.
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
ALIGN (Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics)
Launched ALIGN’s Online Course - Genomics Our Way | An Introduction to Genomics Research with Indigenous Australians
ALIGN were able to develop and deliver this first-of-its-kind course through the ALIGN network, the OCHRE network, with financial support from the Australian Academy of Science–Theo Murphy Initiative (AAS-TMI).
What’s next?
Register now and take the course! https://indigenousgenomics.com.au/courses/genomicsourway/
Please share it with your colleagues, networks, and communities.
Follow the new ALIGN LinkedIn business page and help us amplify the campaign.
Tell us what you think - we’d love your feedback and reflections once you’ve completed the course.
‘Genomics Our Way’ is more than a course—it’s a statement about how genomics research with Indigenous Australians should be done.
Queensland Health and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Launch of a new Queensland Portal
This portal provides health information and resources to support anyone working or studying in First Nations health in Queensland, including students, academics and policy makers.
Funded by the Queensland Government Department of Health, the new Portal includes a map that allows users to filter content by Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services for a faster, more efficient search for relevant publications, resources, programs, organisations, courses and jobs. The Portal also supports the workforce with information on Queensland-specific events and funding opportunities.
The Portal is located on the HealthInfoNet website under the Learn tab and under the Locations subheading. Visit the Queensland Portal to access up-to-date information and culturally appropriate resources on First Nations health in Queensland.
You can also stay connected with the latest updates and content added to the Portal by signing up to the monthly Queensland State Newsletter and by subscribing to our yarning places: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing:
Indigenous Datathon: Applying Indigenous Data Governance to Healthcare
Expressions of interest are now open to attend the Indigenous Datathon 2025
Location: Brisbane
Dates: October 11 and 12, 2025
Co-located with International Data Week 2025, the event will see participants explore real-world questions using data science, guided by the CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) of Indigenous data governance.
The event is being run by the Indigenous Data Network (University of Melbourne), the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS), the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), QUT Centre for Data Science (QUT CDS) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS-Brisbane).
The event is designed for post-graduate students, clinicians, researchers, or emerging data scientists. Participants will work in teams to analyse healthcare datasets while learning how to apply ethical, culturally responsive data practices.
It is an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful, values-driven solutions. We welcome participants with a wide range of backgrounds and skills who are interested in engaging with health data, but we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply.
Numbers are limited to ensure each participant is well supported by mentors, subject domain experts and datathon volunteers.
See more information here: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/centres-institutes/onemda/research-group/indigenous-data-network/indigenous-datathon-2025
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CONFERENCES 2025
10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium
8 – 9 October | Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
Research from the heart – shaping rural & remote health futures’
If you have research findings to share, this is your opportunity to contribute to a movement dedicated to improving rural and remote health in Australia.
Presentation Opportunities: Find the Right Format for You
Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025
20 – 21 October | Meanjin (Brisbane) Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing
Join us in Meanjin (Brisbane) as we share solutions to the most important wellbeing needs of all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
OCHRe Convocation
29 – 30 October | (Meanjin) Brisbane
Voices of Country: Research, Resilience and Renewal
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Indigenous Allied Health Australia
24 – 26 November | Sunshine Coast
Tradition to Transformation: Leading in Allied Health
For more information and to register, click here.
Australian Indigenous Doctors Association
27 – 29 November
For more information, click AIDA 2025 Conference
CONFERENCES 2026
World Indigenous Cancer Conference | 20-24 April 2026 | Rotorua, Aotearoa, New Zealand
For more information, click here
18th World Congress on Public Health
6 - 9 September 2026 | South Africa
Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
For more information, click here
GRANT CONNECT
All Australian Government grant opportunities are advertised on Grant Connect including NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and many other grants. Below are some current opportunities.
For current list of all grants on Grant Connect click here.
MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity
This grant opportunity offers funding to support medical research and medical innovation programs of research that deliver a ‘moonshot’ by creating a treatment for a currently serious and incurable health condition, through a series of linked projects. The program of research can propose to develop novel health technologies and/or re-purpose existing health technologies in a novel way.
We expect that expressions of interest will close on 31 March 2026, with the last grants awarded by 30 June 2027.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $400,000,000
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): $25,000,000
For further information, click here.
National Health and Medical Research Council
Partnership Projects – 2025
Partnership Projects will support collaborations, within the Australian context, that translate research evidence into health policy and health practice, to improve health services and processes
Minimum data closes at 17:00 ACT local time on the following dates:
PRC3 – 12 November 2025
For further information, click here.
ALIGN (Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics) & The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowship
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and The Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) have collaborated to offer an excellent opportunity for an Indigenous Visiting Research Fellow. This opportunity will support an Indigenous researcher using advanced genomics to improve diagnostic outcomes for people with suspected genetic immune disease. Flexible funding of up to $300,000 over two years is available.
Fellows can range from PhD students who have completed their confirmation of candidature, through to post-graduate, mid-career researchers. Clinicians with an interest in research are also welcome to apply.
Applications for this program opened May 2025 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time.
Applications close: October 2025
For further information, view the website here OR scan the QR code
Employment
Associate Professor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Development Lead
Role type: Fixed term until 11 October 2027
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Melbourne School of Health Sciences
Salary: Level D - $180,254 - $198,584 per annum (pro rata for part time) plus 17% superannuation
Applications close: 02-10-2025
Influence healthcare education / Collaborate with diverse stakeholders / Drive cultural competency initiatives
Apply now to shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health across Melbourne School of Health Science and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).
As the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Development specialist, you'll lead the review, development, and implementation of vital health and cultural safety curricula across Melbourne School of Health Science and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. You'll have the opportunity to influence student experiences, collaborate with key stakeholders, and contribute to research that advances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health education. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact on healthcare education and cultural competency.
For full position description, click here
The Kids Research Institute Australia
Head of Kulunga Aboriginal Unit
At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are seeking a visionary leader to guide the Kulunga Aboriginal Unit. This is a senior leadership role, working to place Aboriginal health research at the heart of what we do. This role provides cultural, strategic, and operational leadership, ensuring our research is guided by Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing. You will lead a committed team, build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, and support the development of future Aboriginal researchers. Most importantly, you will champion culturally safe, inclusive research that makes a real difference for children and families across Australia.
Term: Full time
Remuneration: $147,063–$165,000 depending on experience + super
Location: Nedlands, Perth WA
Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
Applications Close: 03-10-2025 – We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.
For full position description, click here
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Research Assistant
Details: Part-Time (0.6FTE), 12-Month contract
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Applications close: Thursday 16 October 2025
About the job: An exciting opportunity is now available for Research Assistant to join the Aboriginal Communities and Families Research Alliance (ACRA) primarily supporting the ICARE Research Program as part of the Coolamon Team, in addition to supporting research activities within the ACRA team. The role will be based at SAHMRI Women and Kids, and will work across a number of health services that provide antenatal care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, such as the Women’s and Childrens Hospital, Lyell McEwin and Flinders Medical Centre.
This is an identified position for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
For full position description, click here
Adelaide University
Dean Indigenous Research and Innovation
Boyden ANZ is pleased to be supporting the recruitment of the Dean, Indigenous Research & Innovation at the new Adelaide University.
The purpose of this position is to lead the development and implementation of culturally safe research strategies that foster excellence, inclusivity, and the advancement of Indigenous knowledge and engagement across the university. The successful candidate will also drive strategic partnerships, innovation and the professional growth of researchers.
Applications Close: 11:30pm Monday 6 October 2025
For full position description and how to apply, click here
The University of Sydney – Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health is excited to be recruiting for several key roles. We warmly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, as well as from our non-Indigenous culturally responsive allies. Please feel free to share these opportunities across your networks - we’re keen to welcome new colleagues into our research family and into the innovative ways of doing research here at Poche Sydney.
Research Associate
Part-time (0.2 FTE), 2-year fixed-term, Internal & External applications now open
Join us for one day a week in a Research Associate role and make a lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, while advancing your research career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Base Salary: $89,831 – $109,263 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation
Applications Close: Sunday 12 October 2025 11:59 PM
For full position click here
Research Associates – Aboriginal Health
Two roles, Part-time (0.5 FTE), 2-year fixed-term, Internal & External applications now open
We’re seeking two Research Associates to contribute to impactful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, helping shape culturally safe care and drive real-world change.
Base Salary: $89,831 – $109,263 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation
Applications Close: Sunday 12 October 2025 11:59 PM
For full position click here
The University of Melbourne
Research Fellow, Indigenous Health Equite
Role type: Fixed Term for 2 years, 0.6 FTE to 1.0 FTE (negotiable)
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Onemda/Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Salary: Level B - $122,212 - $145,121 per annum (pro rata for part time) or Level C - $149,701 - $172,614 per annum (pro rata for part time) plus 17% superannuation
Applications close: 28-09-2025 11:55pm AEST / Melbourne time zone.
Contribute to Aboriginal-led research / Improve Indigenous family support / Develop data dashboard for child protection
Apply now to join a dedicated team working towards Indigenous health equity and family wellbeing
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Your next career opportunity
As a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Indigenous Health Equity, you'll play a crucial role in improving support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. You'll contribute to a program of research within an Aboriginal-led interdisciplinary team, focusing on developing a maternity service data dashboard related to child protection. This position offers you the opportunity to work collaboratively in a culturally safe environment, while furthering your research skills and contributing to the Indigenous health research workforce.
For full position description, click here
Associate Professor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Development Lead
Role type: Fixed term until 11 October 2027
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Department/School: Melbourne School of Health Sciences
Salary: Level D - $180,254 - $198,584 per annum (pro rata for part time) plus 17% superannuation
Applications close: 02-10-2025
Influence healthcare education / Collaborate with diverse stakeholders / Drive cultural competency initiatives
Apply now to shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health across Melbourne School of Health Science and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).
As the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Development specialist, you'll lead the review, development, and implementation of vital health and cultural safety curricula across Melbourne School of Health Science and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. You'll have the opportunity to influence student experiences, collaborate with key stakeholders, and contribute to research that advances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health education. This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact on healthcare education and cultural competency.
For full position description, click here
