
Indigenous Knowledge Institute
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute aims to advance research and education in Indigenous knowledge systems.
As a University, we have a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous development in Australia, and to addressing the disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians. This commitment is demonstrated through our Reconciliation Action Plan. It was also reflected through the former Indigenous Hallmark Research Initiative – a three-year, multidisciplinary research hub.
While the work of the Indigenous Hallmark Research Initiative is now finished, it paved the way for the establishment of the Indigenous Knowledge Institute. Explore current Indigenous research initiatives.
The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates. The University has campuses and facilities on the lands of the Kulin peoples, which includes the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung Wathaurong, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, as well as the Yorta Yorta nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present. The University of Melbourne extends a warm welcome to all Indigenous peoples, researchers and others interested in Indigenous studies.
The Indigenous Hallmark Research Initiative built a stronger Indigenous research cohort within and beyond the University. It achieved this through a range of activities, including conferences, research education programs and a seed funding scheme. These activities built the foundation for the establishment of the Indigenous Knowledge Institute. This institute is now the focal point for Indigenous research activity and programs at the University.
This program was offered to aspiring Indigenous researchers across the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business and education, to:
This program is hosted annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are considering a PhD. This fully funded, two-to-three-day program:
This conference showcased research addressing the theme of place-based research and Indigenous research partnerships. Academic teams including their relevant Indigenous organisations and community partners, presented projects that focused on building relationships and delivering tangible outcomes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The place-based research agenda prioritised innovative and locally defined solutions to contemporary problems. In health, education, justice, linguistics and many other fields, attention to place enables the development of sustainable relationships based on reciprocity and collaboration.
Teams described research, teaching and learning projects that included ongoing Indigenous partnerships and place-based engagement. Presentations focused on the relationship development that underpins research outcomes or translation, including:
Priority was given to presentations which included Indigenous collaborators, organisations or representatives, and with a substantial focus on relationship development and maintenance. The conference provided an innovative combination of presentations, roundtables, workshops and story-telling through the PechaKucha format.
The initiative offered seed funding grants in 2016 and 2017. The scheme supported interdisciplinary research projects in the field of Indigenous research. The primary purpose was to build capacity in, and support new and emerging, areas of Indigenous research. The scheme successfully:
Improving care of Indigenous Australians with diabetes in rural communities
Lead researcher: Dr Elif Ekinci | Partner: Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Service.
Collaborating, building and broadcasting in Wadeye, Northern Territory
Lead researcher: Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker | Partner: Thamarrurr Development Corporation.
Digital solutions for capturing connectedness and mobility data in remote Indigenous communities
Lead researcher: Dr Katherine Gibney | Partners: Menzies, Northern Institute, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.
New approaches to improve nutrition in Indigenous children ina remote Yolngu community
Lead researcher: Dr Sarah Hanieh | Partner: Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation.
Enhancing the educational experience and outcomes of Indigenous doctoral students
Lead researcher: Dr Mikki Moodie | Partner: University of Melbourne Indigenous Graduate Students Association.
Planning for economic development and diversity on the Tiwi Islands
Lead researcher: Dr Jane Elith, Faculty of Science | Partner: Tiwi Land Council.
Miminni and Burri: A report card of health outcomes in the Goulburn Murray Region
Lead Researcher: Prof Bill Adam, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
Partners: Kaiela Institute, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Goulburn Valley Health, Greater Shepparton City Council.
Art as voice: Indigenous epistemologies for research on arts and for practice-based research in Australia
Lead researcher: Dr Sally Treloyn, Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music | Partner: Wilin Centre, CDU.
Indigenous news database and case studies on Indigenous news media
Lead researcher: A/Prof Margaret Simons, Faculty of Arts | Partners: Guardian Australia, IndigenousX.
Improving the health service access utilisation of young Aboriginal people in Melbourne
Lead researcher: Dr Simon Graham, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences | Partner: Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.
The Indigenous Hallmark Research Initiative worked to:
Image: Johan Mouchet/Unsplash
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute aims to advance research and education in Indigenous knowledge systems.
Learn more about the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development.
We support Indigenous graduate researchers at the University. Get help with your application and finances, find a PhD supervisor, and meet other students.
Discover why Indigenous research is a priority for the University. Share knowledge and improve outcomes in health, education, employment and housing.