NEWS & EVENTS

Building support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research translation

27 May 2021

In Queensland, BDHP and partner organisation the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute are progressing a new approach to support the next generation of researchers working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research translation. BDHP is sponsoring a project to engage stakeholders’ interest in establishing a Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Network (QATSIHRN). Mr Greg Pratt, Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research at QIMR Berghofer, leads this project. Mr Pratt is engaged in the Australian Health Research Alliance’s National Indigenous Research(er) Capacity Building Network on behalf of BDHP, as well as the NHMRC recently announced network, the National First Nations Research Network. A Queensland specific network would provide advice to BDHP and advocate for and support activities that increase engagement and lead to the development, co-design and delivery of solutions that enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. This will involve listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the State. A central outcome of this project is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research agenda determined for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Queensland. The ultimate aim is to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The project team is conducting a stakeholder analysis of the community, health service, research, academia and policy sectors to identify champions to serve as members of QATSIHRN. A QATSIHRN would explore:

• enablers and barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led health research
• ways to support capacity, capability and translation through workforce, communication and research activities
• the support required for the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to lead research for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Queensland
• ways to ensure health research relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is undertaken in partnership with them.

This project is part of Queensland’s contribution to the Australian Health Research Alliance (AHRA) National System Level Initiative focused on enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research capabilities. Under this initiative, AHRA has established the National Indigenous Research(er) Capacity Building Network (IRNet). IRNet has three priorities:

• Progress and strengthen a robust Indigenous research(er) network
• Invest and develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce
• Enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research(er) capabilities.

For more details, please contact communications@bdhp.com.au.