2026 OCHRe News in Brief
25 June
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:
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
2026 OCHRe Convocation
15- 16 October 2026 | Naarm (Melbourne)
“Empowering Voices, Deadly Futures”
Come together with colleagues and partners from across the research sector for two days of insight, collaboration and inspiration.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
OCHRe Convocation 2026 Details
The 2026 OCHRe Convocation theme, “Empowering Voices, Deadly Futures”, reflects a strong commitment to amplifying community voices and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership at the centre of health, research, and translation. It highlights the importance of self-determination, cultural strength, and collaborative action to create futures that are not only healthy and sustainable, but deadly — strong, vibrant and led by communities.
Come together with colleagues and partners from across the research sector for two days of insight, collaboration and inspiration.
📅 Mark your calendar - more details coming soon
Maali Hub | Call for Abstracts
Convocation session EMCR Presentations
The OCHRe 2026 Convocation will be held in Melbourne on 15–16 October. Maali Hub invites early and mid-career researchers (within 10 years of PhD conferral, excluding periods of career disruption) to submit an abstract to present their research.
Complete the form below to submit your abstract. Please note that it is not possible to save your progress and return at a later time, so ensure that all questions are fully completed prior to submission.
Applications close on the 19th of July at 11pm WST.
If you have any questions please email the Maali Hub team at maalihub@ecu.edu.au
Call for Abstracts – OCHRe 2026 Convocation – Fill out form
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate
Trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of Indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.
More information is available at the link below.
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
Congratulations to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were acknowledged on the King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding work.
Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
Ms Patricia Ann TURNER AM
For distinguished service to the Indigenous community through policy development, to governance and leaderships roles, and to improving health outcomes.
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
The late Professor Peter BUCKSKIN PSM SA
For significant service to the Indigenous community through education, research, and advocacy roles.
Professor Emerita Tracey Arlene BUNDA
For significant service to tertiary education and research, and to the Indigenous community.
Professor Noel Edward HAYMAN QLD
For significant service to medicine, particularly to Indigenous health care and medical education.
Ms Elsta FOY Broome WA
For service to the community of Broome.
For the full list, click here
Opportunities
Click here to view all vacancies and opportunities
OWL HubOffers online learning bursaries for OCHRe and Lowitja Institute Members
OWL Hub is pleased to offer OCHRe members bursaries for Lowitja Institute’s suite of short online courses.
Course titles include:
Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Introduction to Ethics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Introduction to Evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contexts
Bursaries are available for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are individual members of OCHRe and Lowitja Institute, or have applied. Sign up for membership now!
To learn more about the courses, head to the Lowitja Learning web page.
To access your bursary, enter the code OWL26 when you come to 'purchase' your course.
The bursaries are available from now until 31 May 2026 and you will have 12 months complete the course/s of your choice. Eligible individuals can access all six of Lowitja Institute’s online courses.
For more information, or for assistance with accessing your bursary, please contact the Lowitja Institute team on learning@lowitja.org.au
Health Research Experience Scholarships Program 2026 (round 3)
NEXGEN are pleased to announce the launch of Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Round 3) 2026 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 which opened on 6 February and closes on 30 October 2026 or when all Scholarships have been awarded, whichever is the sooner.
If you are interested in more information and/or applying for a Health Research Experience Scholarships 2026, please follow this link: https://www.ochrenetwork.org/scholarships.
Call for Papers - Special Topic!
Rural Research Capacity Building
We would like to invite your contributions and perspectives to our Special Edition in Frontiers in Medicine focused on Rural Research Capacity Building.
The aim is to bring together experiences, innovations, practical strategies, and lessons learned from across the world to strengthen rural and remote health research. One of the most important aspects of this initiative is the opportunity to collectively showcase the remarkable work many of us are already doing — often with limited resources, but with enormous commitment — to mentor emerging researchers, foster research culture, build collaborations, support trainees, and create sustainable rural research systems within our communities. Indigenous researcher development and community-researcher development are key to transforming regional, rural and remote health services of the future.
We hope this Special Edition will become more than a collection of papers. Our vision is to create a shared global resource, including an open-access e-book, that captures successful models, practical experiences, and transferable strategies that others can learn from and adapt within their own contexts. To provide some additional context, Frontiers in Medicine is a Q1 international journal with an impact factor of approximately 3.0 and global visibility in health sciences. We believe this platform provides an important opportunity to highlight rural health research capacity-building initiatives to a broad international audience. Although the journal is open access, we are pleased to have secured a 25% discount on article processing charges for contributors to this Special Edition through discussions with the journal.
Submissions may include original research, case studies, perspectives, program descriptions, mentorship models, collaborative initiatives, educational innovations, or reflections on strengthening rural research capacity in different settings.
We would also be very grateful if you could share this opportunity within your networks and encourage colleagues who may be interested in contributing.
I believe this initiative has the potential to become a meaningful global collaboration and an important contribution to advancing rural health research internationally.
Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in contributing or would like additional information. We would be delighted to connect further.
Dr Emma Webster emma.webster@sydney.edu.au
Lead Editor – School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Australia
Dr David Schmidt david.schmidt@sydney.edu.au
Co-Editor – School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Australia
Dr Shabnam Asghari sasghari@mun.ca
Co-Editor – Center for Rural Health Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
La Trobe University
First Nations Research Scholarship launched
La Trobe University, in partnership with Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA), is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural First Nations Research Scholarship.
The scholarship is aimed at supporting Indigenous Australians pursuing research in areas critical to Australia’s resilience and disaster preparedness.
The scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking PhD, Masters, Graduate Diploma, or Honours programs. It is designed to foster Indigenous-led research aligned with NHRA’s mission to enhance natural hazard resilience and reduce disaster risk across the country.
See more information here
The University of Sydney School of Public Health
Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion (SEWB)
A unique opportunity to receive a postgraduate degree from The University of Sydney School of Public Health.
Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker with an interest in social and emotional wellbeing or mental health? Do you want to take your career to the next level? This course may be for you. SEWB describes the holistic understanding of health that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have. It includes cultural, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of the individual, family and wider community. It also considers a variety of factors that contribute to health such as policy and the environment. Promoting SEWB over mental health is a more effective and all-encompassing way to address the myriad factors that contribute to health and wellbeing. Apply now and be on the path to joining our cohort of graduates, many of whom have fulfilling careers in a variety of sectors including community, health, government and education.
For further information, click here
Aurora Foundation
Aurora Indigenous Pathways Portal
The Internship Program continues to focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* students and graduates via internships as pathways to jobs in Indigenous organisations and other organisations working in the Indigenous sector.
We are also able to place Indigenous interns at a wide range of organisations, outside of the sector, so long as the placements are relevant to candidates’ study and career aspirations.
The Commonwealth's Culture and Capability Programme will provide financial support via Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interns under the Program.
TO VIEW CURRENT APPLICATIONS OPEN, CLICK HERE
If you’re unsure or have questions, the Aurora team is here to help.
Webinars, Workshops and
Professional Development
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation
2026 Indigenous Health Award
Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical student, GP registrar, or early career GP researcher ready to take the next step in your career? Financial support may be available to support your journey through study, professional development and research.
The @Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the @Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, is offering the Indigenous Health Award, with up to $10,000 available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Established by Foundation Patron @Michael Kidd, the Award supports study, professional development and research that strengthens the evidence base and contributes to improved health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
With a focus on culturally appropriate, community informed approaches, it aims to build capability, support career development and contribute to meaningful change in general practice and beyond.
Applications open from 11 May to 22 June 2026.
Find out more and apply: https://www.racgp.org.au/foundation/research-funding
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Symposium
Racism in (Health) Education
Australian National University
Save the Date - Thursday 26th November 2026
Free Event! More information to come soon!
Contact us:
stewart.sutherland@anu.edu.au
elizabeth.Dening@anu.edu.au
UQ Poche Centre
Seminar Series
The Poche Centre welcomes speaker Associate Professor Summer May Finlay for her presentation:
From Evidence to Action: Research, Evidence and Policy Influence
Date: Tuesday, 7 July, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online via Teams
SEMINAR OVERVIEW
Translating research into meaningful policy change remains a significant challenge for many researchers. This seminar explores practical strategies for generating policy-relevant evidence and effectively communicating research findings to policymakers, decision-makers, and other influential stakeholders.
Participants will gain insights into framing research for policy impact, identifying and engaging the right audiences, and using timely, strategic communication to bridge the gap between evidence and action.
The seminar will place particular emphasis on driving real-world change that supports improved health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, grounded in principles of equity, self-determination, and meaningful engagement.
Register to Attend
Charles Darwin University
Diploma of Indigenous Research
Overview
The Diploma of Indigenous Research is exclusively for Indigenous students. You will draw on your own knowledge, heritage and cultural traditions to carry out on-ground research work and learn how research may contribute in positive ways to Indigenous people, places and futures.
If you are new to research, you will gain an introduction to key issues and themes, and develop practical skills informed by the place where you live and its law and knowledge.
If you are already exploring your own research projects, you will gain supervision and support, and meet other students exploring their own projects in other places.
If you are an experienced researcher, you will demonstrate this and be recognised for the skills and practices that are important in your workplace or community.
For more information, click here
Decolonial Perspectives
Online Study Circle
Join Professor Yin Paradies and Victoria McKay of Anam Cara Homestead (www.anamcarahomestead.com.au) in an exploration of decolonial perspectives.
Dates and times: 3-5pm (Melbourne, Australia time)
Saturday 27th June 2026
This course is suitable for those new to these topics, and as a deepening for those already familiar. How have, and do, people live sustainably and in right relationship with the world? Why, and in what way, is this so different to modern societies? How do we cross the bridge back into the harmony and balance that our deep ancestors enjoyed? Join us in this monthly study circle for a dive into the topics of cosmology, story-telling, gender, nutrition, parenting and sexuality.
Victoria and Yin will seek to curate a 'safe enough' space. We ask that participants hold respect, sensitivity, and kindness in their communication, alongside a capacity to hear opposing viewpoints.
Although each month's topic is stand-alone, as this will be a closed group, we ask that you commit to attend each session throughout the six month period, to the best of your ability. We will provide pre- and post-reading material and resources so we can focus each circle on questions, dialogue, discussion and conversation.
For more information and to get your tickets, click here
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.
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CONFERENCES 2026
The National Indigenous Healthcare Forum
AH&MRC of NSW
5 - 7 August | Eora/Sydney
For more information, click here
Aboriginal Health Conference 2026
15 & 16 August 2026 | Boorloo, Perth
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
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference
12-13 October | Ngunnawal Country (Canberra)
On Our Terms: Indigenous Leadership, Wellbeing, and Future
For more information, click here
World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference 2026
4-7 November | Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa (Hamilton, New Zealand)
Call for Abstracts now open
For more information, click here
CATSINaM National Conference | 17 – 19 November 2026 |
Mparntwe, NT (Alice Springs Convention Centre)
The Power We Carry Protecting and Growing Our Young Ones – Anwerne rlterrke atnyenetyeke Anwerne ampe mape arntarntaretyeke.
For more information, click here
IAHA National Conference
30 November – 2 December 2026 | Boorloo (Perth)
For more information, click here
Funding Opportunities
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.
Opening of MRFF 2026 Indigenous Health Research Fund Grant Opportunity
We are pleased to advise that the 2026 Indigenous Health Research Fund’s Empowering Community-Controlled Research Grant Opportunity is now open.
Detailed information on the Grant Opportunity and how to apply can be accessed on GrantConnect.
Collaborative applications are encouraged. At least one organisation involved in each application must be an MRFF Eligible Organisation, and this page details how many types of organisations can register to become an MRFF Eligible Organisation.
Applications for the 2026 grant opportunity will close on 11 November 2026 with minimum data required by 14 October 2026.
We thank all those who submitted to the consultation for this grant opportunity and appreciate the feedback provided. The Consultation Report has been published to provide transparency on how feedback was incorporated.
For more information, please click here
MRFF Genomics Health Futures Mission - 2026 Genomics Health Futures Grant Opportunity
Minimum data closes on 22 July 2026 at 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Grant closes 19 Aug 2026 at 5.00 pm (ACT Local Time).
Total Amount Available (AUD): $74,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $8,000,000.00
For more information, please click here
MRFF - Preventative and Public Health Research Initiative - 2026 Consumer-Led Research Grant Opportunity
Minimum data closes on 8 July 2026 at 5:00pm (ACT Local Time)
Grant closes 2 Aug 2026 at 5.00pm (ACT Local Time)
Total Amount Available (AUD): $20,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $2,500,000.00
Grant Activity Timeframe:
For Incubator grants (Stream 1): within 2 years from the commencement date specified in the grant schedule.
For Targeted Call for Research grants (Stream 2): within 5 years from the commencement date specified in the grant schedule.
For Innovation grants (Stream 2): within 12 months from the commencement date specified in the grant schedule.
For more information, please click here
MRFF – Traumatic Brain Injury Mission
2026 Traumatic Brain Injury Grant Opportunity
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Mission aims to enable or support research designed to improve the lives of all Australians who experience a TBI.
Minimum Data closes: 20 May 2026 at 5:00pm (ACT Local Time)
Close Date & Time: 17 Jun 2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Grant Activity Timeframe: December 2031
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $2,000,000.00
Total Amount Available (AUD): $5,000,000.00
For more information, please click here.
Partnership Projects 2026
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:
PRC1 – 18 March 2026
PRC2 – 22 July 2026
PRC3 – 28 October 2026
Close Date & Time: 11 Nov 2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
For more information, please click here.
NHMRC
Investigator Grants
Investigator Grants provide the highest-performing researchers at all career stages with consolidated funding for their salary (if required) and a significant research support package.
In this way, the Chief Investigator has flexibility to pursue important new research directions as they arise, adjust their resources accordingly, and to form collaborations as needed, rather than being restricted to the scope of a specific research project.
Investigator Grants support:
research across the 4 pillars of health and medical research:
biomedical
clinical
public health
health services research
all career stages:
early career researchers
mid-career researchers
established researchers
researchers with clinical responsibilities (such as clinicians, public health and allied health practitioners)
full-time and part-time researchers.
Applications open | 03 June 2026
Minimum data due date | 01 July 2026
Applications close | 29 July 2026
Proposed peer review | August 2026 to November 2026
For more information, please click here
Employment
Lowitja Institute
Program Manager, Policy
Shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by leading a passionate policy team at Lowitja Institute, based in Naarm. As Program Manager, Policy, you’ll guide and empower a high performing team to turn research into action, elevate community voices and influence national policies that improve health outcomes. This full time role offers a hybrid working arrangement with in-office collaboration days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the flexibility to work from home on Monday and Friday.
This role is classified as Level 9 role under Lowitja Institute’s current Enterprise Agreement (with a base salary of $131,046).
About the role
As Program Manager, Policy, you will lead and inspire a dynamic policy team delivering Lowitja Institute’s policy and advocacy priorities. Reporting directly to the Executive Manager, Policy and Consulting, you will oversee strategic projects from conception to impact, ensuring research is translated into practical evidence-based policy. This role involves building strong partnerships across sectors, shaping national policy discussions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and representing Lowitja Institute in forums, committees and stakeholder engagements. You will also foster a collaborative, culturally safe and high-performing team environment, supporting professional development and wellbeing while driving outcomes aligned with Lowitja Institute’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.
Location: Collingwood, VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time
For further information, click here
For further information and to view position description, click here
University of Notre Dame Broome Campus
Shape the future of healthcare in the Kimberley
The University of Notre Dame Australia is expanding its Vocational Education and Traingin VET program in Broome, we’re looking for passionate and dedcated professionals to joion our mission of empowering the next generation of health care workers in regional and remote communities.W
We are recruiting fo the following key roles:
Program Coordinator (Nursing)
Lead the delivery and growth of our Nursing VET Programs, ensuring excellence in currivulum design, compliance and student outcomes.
Student Support Officer
Bring your clinical experience and teaching passion to the classroom.
Be the friendly face and to-to person for our students.
