OCHRe News 2025
1 December
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:
Congratulations
Kalinda Griffiths has just been appointed as a Director on ‘Science and Technology Australia’
Kalinda Griffiths has just been appointed as a Director on ‘Science and Technology Australia’
Dr Kalinda Griffiths - Scientia Fellow
Centre for Big Data Research, University of New South Wales.
An Aboriginal women born of Yawuru, Indonesian and Welsh heritage, Kalinda Griffiths' interest in health stemmed from witnessing the preventable illness and disease experienced by her immediate and extended family. At 17, her career began in Indigenous health research with a laboratory traineeship. She gained experience predominantly on the Diabetes and Related conditions in the Urban Indigenous Darwin study, the largest and most comprehensive dataset on diabetes-related conditions in urban Indigenous populations. It was during this work that she acquired a keen interest in driving solutions through the use of data. She then completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and a master's degree in public health before undertaking a year of specialised training in cancer epidemiology. She graduated from her PhD in
cancer epidemiology at the University of Sydney in December, 2017. Kalinda is currently Scientia Fellow at the Centre for Big Data Research, UNSW and holds honorary fellowships at Menzies School of Health Research and University of Sydney. As an epidemiologist, her interest is in empirically addressing complex health disparities in populations through existing data. Her research currently addresses issues of quality and the utilisation of 'big' data pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Her areas of focus include Indigenous identification and the right for all people to be counted in the data, evidence-based approaches to Indigenous data governance as well as the measurement of health disparities, with a particular focus on cancer treatment and outcomes. She also holds a
number or different roles including Deputy Editor of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia. Kalinda's work shows us issues and considerations required when using data to describe disparities, as well as the critical role that data plays in directing health equity solutions in Australia and around the globe.
Dr Kalinda Griffiths is a Superstar of STEM.
Congratulations!
Best Abstract prize
Professor Jaqui Hughes and Sian Graham took out the Best Abstract prize at this year’s Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology conference
Their research was recognised with the Rural Science Award, celebrating work that strengthens kidney health outcomes for rural and remote communities.
Australian Mental Health Prize
Professor Pat Dudgeon has been honoured with an Australian Mental Health Prize
Since its foundation by UNSW Sydney in 2016, the Prize has honoured advocates, clinicians, researchers, peer workers and community leaders who have changed lives and shaped national conversation. The winners announced Wednesday were Professor Dudgeon, Australia's first Aboriginal psychologist whose leadership has redefined Indigenous mental health, and Professor Brian Burdekin AO, a global human-rights pioneer who reframed mental illness as a human-rights issue. Born and raised in Darwin and descended from the Bardi people of the Kimberley, Professor Dudgeon is a national leader in Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention. She has dedicated her career to embedding cultural, strengths-based and lived experience perspectives into mental health policy, research, and practice.
Professor Dudgeon told National Indigenous Times it was important to recognise the good work people are doing - "whether it's at the leadership level or the community level". "This award has a really good history; we have had people recognised such as Joe Williams, Megan Krakouer, Helen Mitroy and Donna Stanley, a whole range of people," she said. "It's a strength, we have a diversity of people it's not just the academics, there's a good mix of community people and policy leaders as well being recognised... in the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing space." Professor Dudgeon said there were many people and organisations doing great work in mental health deserving of recognition, including her colleagues.
Please click here for full article
Opportunities
NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE)
PhD Opportunity: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes for Indigenous Families
Join the NHMRC Stillbirth CRE based at Mater Research as part of the Safer Baby SEEK initiative. This 3–3.5 year PhD project focuses on understanding help-seeking and care experiences of Indigenous parents during pregnancy to improve culturally safe maternity care and reduce stillbirth.
What’s involved?
Co-designed research with Indigenous communities in SA, WA and QLD
Development of tools and training for health professionals
Publications, conference presentations, and integration into national education programs
Benefits:
UQ scholarship living stipend
Mentorship from experienced Indigenous midwifery researchers Deanna Stuart-Butler and Valarie Ah Chee
Work within a collaborative research environment
Eligibility:
Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates with backgrounds in public health, Indigenous health, midwifery, nursing, psychology, or related fields.
Contact: Dr Christine Andrews – christine.andrews@mater.uq.edu.au
National Health and Medical Research Council
NHMRC Nominations to participate in peer review
Interested researchers my now nominate themselves to be considered for NHMRC peer review in 2026.
Deadline for self-nomination: 8 December 2025.
Eligibility
Researchers require an active Sapphire account to submit their self nomination. To register for an account, visit the Sapphire website. NHMRC recommends completing your registration in advance to guarantee account activation before the self nomination deadline.
Researchers should also ensure that their Sapphire Profile is complete and up to date when self nominating — particularly their Broad Research Area, Peer Review Area, Fields of Research, and Research Keywords.
📣Important notice - NHMRC Sapphire profile requirements📣
NHMRC have instituted a new Sapphire requirement: For all newly awarded NHMRC grants moving forward, CIAs must have a valid ORCiD recorded in their Sapphire profile to be eligible to hold NHMRC funded grants. Please check your Sapphire profile and update your ORCiD details as required.
National Health and Medical Research Strategy (National Strategy)
Webinar recording is now available
Available here: National Health and Medical Research Strategy Chair Webinar 3 – 1 September 2025 - YouTube
National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025
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
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.
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
IMHC26 Scholarship
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association are awarding 3 in-person and 10 virtual delegate scholarships to attend the 2026 International Mental Health Conference.
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
Full Time Students (student ID card must be provided)
Retirees/Unwaged
International Delegates
Lived Experience
Full Time Carers
Senior and Pension Card Holders (ID card must be provided)
Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander, Māori or Pacific Islands descent
Residents of a rural or remote area
People with disability
Applications for scholarships must be submitted by close of business Friday 6 March 2026.
Please note: This is not a registration form to attend the conference. If your application is unsuccessful, you will still be eligible to register.
You will be notified if your application has been successful on or before Wednesday 1 April 2026.
The Association or Conference Committee are not in a position to assist with additional expenses such as flights, accommodation or meals.
*Scholarships are not available for presenters at the conference.
For further information, click here
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT)
Australia Awards Fellowship Round 21
Closes: 16 January 2026
For further information, click here
Lasker Foundation | 2026 Lasker Awards
Nominations are being accepted in the categories of Basic Research, Clinical Research, and Public Service
Closes: 2 February 2026
For further information, click here
Australia Graduate Women 2026
Barbara Hale Fellowships
The AGW Barbara Hale Fellowships are open to women who are Australian citizens (or permanent residents of Australia) and are enrolled for a PhD degree by research in any discipline at an Australian university. The Fellowships are offered annually for the second and subsequent years of a doctoral program.
Closes: 13 February 2026
For further information, click here
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.
Closes: 31 December 2025
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
National Research Infrastructure
Episode 2026 NRI Roadmap Issues Paper
Following analysis of feedback gathered in response to this Issues Paper, outcomes of other government reviews such as the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD), matters drawn from the Survey and other discussions and consultations, an Exposure Draft Roadmap will be released for public consultation. That document is expected to provide a preliminary view of the final 2026 NRI Roadmap.
Have your say
To have your say and help shape future research infrastructure planning, provide your feedback through the Issues Paper consultation survey:
Issues Paper Consultation Survey
Closes: 8 December 2025
Professor Pat Dudgeon’s Groundbreaking Life and Work on Social Emotional Wellbeing
New Podcast Episode!
Join one of Australia’s foremost voices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental-health reform, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, as she takes us on a compelling journey to rethink and revive psychology from the ground up. In this episode you’ll discover the roots of her mission, the power of holistic wellbeing, and how she’s helping reshape psychology education through the lens of culture, community, and connection. An important conversation—gain fresh insight into health, healing, and change.
Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) project
Research Forum
Here at the School of Indigenous Studies, at the University of Western Australia, we’re celebrating the completion of the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) project, which has been running since 2019. With Indigenous leadership from Professors Pat Dudgeon AM, Helen Milroy AM, and Jill Milroy, the TIMHWB project brought cultural ways and healing into mental health and wellbeing systems to better serve the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Project partners have represented a collaborative of Aboriginal leaders and organisations, dedicated to creating long-term impact, and together we’ve conducted groundbreaking research, translation, and evaluation in the fields of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
To commemorate the important work done over the last six years, we’re hosting a Research Forum on beautiful Whadjuk Noongar land along the Derbal Yerrigan river in Boorloo (Perth). The Forum will be a day of talks, workshops, and collaboration, as well as a ‘look forward’ to the future as we share our plans to launch our new identity as the Kwop Boorn Djenara Centre. The roots of the Boorn Centre are the TIMHWB project and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention - two Aboriginal-led, transformative projects which we will join and evolve together into the Boorn Centre, where we will continue our work alongside community collaborators including the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
We’ll be recording all the presentations and workshops at the Research Forum event and will make sure to share the resulting video with all those who are interested. Exciting things ahead!
Lowitja Institute
Journal Webinars
On 3 December, Dr Joanne Luke will present research from her PhD studies which explored how 'evidence' is generated and used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social settings, which was conducted in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations. An Aboriginal researcher, Dr Luke works with the Centre for Health Policy at the University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency.
Lowitja Institute
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.
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.
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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
CONFERENCES 2027
Lowitja Conference | Larrakia Country | 8-10 June 2027
Save the date | 8-10 June 2027
Subscribe for conference news updates | lowitjaconference.org.au
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
We look forward to you joining us in the Northern Territory for an unforgettable week of knowledge-sharing, culture, and insights.
For more details and Lowitja Conference announcements, keep an eye on lowitjaconference.org.au.
Funding Opportunities
Medibank Better Health Research Hub Funding Opportunity
Expressions of Interest Now Open
As part of Medibank’s long-standing commitment to Reconciliation, the Medibank Better Health Research Hub (MBHRH) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a $50,000 grant to support community-led research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers are invited to submit an EOI (1 page maximum) including:
A brief overview of the project and research aims
How research aligns to one of the three Medibank Research Pillars 2024-26
How research addresses Medibank research principles (person-centred, health equity and inclusion, collaboration and translation)
Expected research outcomes and potential impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health or the health system.
Projects led by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers, grounded in community needs, cultural knowledge, and relationships will be prioritised.
The closing date for EOIs (1 page maximum) is 5 December 2025 and can be submitted by email to: healthresearch@medibank.com.au.
Selected EOIs will be invited to submit a full application for research funding by 5 February 2026.
To learn about the latest projects supported by the Medibank Better Health Research Hub, you can read the recently released Health Research at Medibank Report 2025 at https://www.medibank.com.au/about/medibank-better-health-research-hub/.
Welcome Genomics in Context Awards
Collaborative research at the intersection of genomics, humanities,
social sciences, and bioethics
These awards will support transdisciplinary teams to catalyse research discoveries at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences and bioethics. Funded projects will be given the time and resources to create new research agendas and explore innovative ways of working.
Closes: 16 March 2026
For further 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.
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
MRFF - EPCDRI – 2025 Childhood Mental Health Research Grant Opportunity
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Emerging Priorities and Consumer-Driven Research initiative aims to enable or support research that improves patient care and translation of new discoveries, and encourage collaboration between consumers and researchers. Funding from this Initiative will support the development of new diagnoses, treatments and cures, and the translation of new discoveries into clinical practice.
Grant Activity Timeframe: Within 5 years of execution of the grant schedule.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $20,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $5,000,000.00
Minimum Data Closes: 25-Feb-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Close Date & Time: 25-Mar-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
For further information, click here
MRFF – CTA Initiative – 2025
Clinical Trials Activity Grant
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Clinical Trials Activity Initiative aims to:
improve the evidence base supporting clinical care
help patients access trials relevant to their health circumstances
enable researchers to bring international trials to Australian patients.
Grant Activity Timeframe: Within 7 years of execution of the grant schedule.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $61,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $5,000,000.00
Minimum Data Closes: 04-March-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Close Date & Time: 1-Apr-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
For further information, 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.
MRFF – Preventive and Public Health Research Initiative – 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Grant Opportunity
Stream 1 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate interventions to prevent or manage perinatal mental ill-health
Stream 2 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate holistic approaches that support healthy development for children aged 2-5 years
Stream 3 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate new co-designed and scalable health and wellbeing promotion and/or preventive health approaches to address modifiable risk factors in:
Minimum Data | Closes 19/11/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 03/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
MRFF - Australian Brain Cancer Mission – 2025 Brain Cancer Research Grant Opportunity
The objective of this grant opportunity is to provide grants of financial assistance to support medical research and medical innovation projects that develop novel approaches to reduce treatment toxicity and adverse effects of brain cancer treatment for patients, to minimise the short- and/or long-term negative impacts for patients and carers.
Minimum data closes | 21/01/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 04/02/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
MRFF – Genomics Health Futures Mission – 2025 Genomics Health Futures Grant Opportunity
Stream 1 (Targeted Call for Research): develop and implement pharmacogenomic approaches to identify new medicines and enhance medication efficacy.
Funding under Stream 1 is available as follows:
Stream 2 (Targeted Call for Research): conduct genomics research to optimise the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of high-priority and high-burden diseases among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Minimum data closes | 21/01/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 04/02/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
National Health and Medical Research Council
NEW: Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025
The TCR: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity seeks to investigate the short and long-term adverse health outcomes experienced by individuals living in unstable housing conditions. The insights gained from this research will inform the development
and implementation of comprehensive interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
Minimum data closes | 03/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 17/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
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.
Employment
Austin Health
First Nations Public Health Engagement Officer
Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives.
About the Ngarra Jarra Aboriginal Health Unit
Ngarra Jarra, which means healing, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and carers while they are in their care through culture support, advocacy, liaison and discharge planning. Our small but dedicated teamwork in partnership with multidisciplinary teams across the hospital who are committed to providing culturally safe, patient-centred care for mob.
About the role
This role is a casual role and is for leave replacement only. As the Casual Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer, you will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and carers in accessing care, as well as during their time in hospital.
Closing: Wednesday 31 December 2025
For further information and to view position description, click here
NHMRC
Director – Aboriginal and Torres Straite Islander Advisor
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking a candidate that is passionate about using their skills and knowledge to realise health benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities. They will guide and influence policy development and programs design across NHMRC, supporting agency efforts to co-design with community as we contribute to Closing the Gap.
The work is challenging, engaging, and involves collaboration with all levels of NHMRC and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, health organisations and communities. As a high performing individual, our ideal candidate will use their cultural knowledge and health policy experience to deliver outcomes and provide strategic advice to peers and NHMRC’s senior executive.
A sound communicator, they will drive positive change and equity outcomes though NHMRC’s investment in research and community health guidance. Of note, they will use their leadership and project management skills as they work with the NHMRC - MRFF Indigenous Advisory Group and progress other initiatives with their team and agency peers.
This role is available as a non-ongoing vacancy for 12 months. A merit pool may be established for use in filling any future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies that may arise.
Highly desirable
An understanding of the health and medical research sector in Australia and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is highly desirable.
Further information
For further information refer to the Job Description or contact Alan Singh on 02 6217 9149 or email alan.singh@nhmrc.gov.au
Location of role
The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
Eligibility
This vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. To be eligible for this role candidates must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
To apply for this role, you must submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Applications close
11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 7 December 2025.
For further information, click here: Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advice NHMRC
NHMRC
Assistant Director
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking a candidate that is passionate about using their skills and knowledge to realise health benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities. They will assist with guiding and influencing policy development and program design across NHMRC, support agency efforts to co-design with community as we contribute to Closing the Gap.
You will be experienced with managing your own time and be able to work across teams, in the Branch and across the agency to get good results. As a team member you will be responsible for setting priorities, managing workflows, liaison, coordination and building and maintaining of critical and sensitive stakeholder relationships.
You will use your excellent communication skills and high-level APS writing skills to support the Director, to deliver quality advice to NHMRC committees and the Executive Team.
This role is available as a non-ongoing vacancy for 6 months. A merit pool may be established for use in filling any future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies that may arise.
Highly desirable
An understanding of the health and medical research sector in Australia and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is highly desirable.
Further information
For further information refer to the Job Description or contact Alan Singh on 02 6217 9149 or email alan.singh@nhmrc.gov.au
Location of role
The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
Eligibility
This vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. To be eligible for this role candidates must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
To apply for this role, you must submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Applications close | 11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 7 December 2025.
For further information, click here: Assistant Director Indigenous Advice Section Research Quality and Advice NHMRC
