Building Research Capacity in Indigenous Australians and Community Controlled Health Services

The dominant mode of Aboriginal population health research is the external investigator driven descriptive survey and epidemiological study. There are few examples of best practice collaborative health research: strongly Aboriginal community-centred, harnessing external expertise whilst balancing power differentials, addressing strategic research priorities and delivering health gains through improved practice or policy and by building community capacity and leadership.

This project seeks to expand an already considerable record of achievement among the partners in development of the Aboriginal community-based population health research agenda. In addition to building the research capacity of a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non- Indigenous researchers based in Northern Australia and Victoria this project will establish a network to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and build capacity in three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (KAMSC, Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS), Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative) already involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and population health research and in employees within those three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

The project will investigate and evaluate models of how Universities can best build research capacity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population health researchers.

Research projects for Team Investigators will be developed as part of the project activities to build research capacity in these individuals and ACCHS. Specific implications will be identified during the project development and will include:

• Building capacity of local partner ACCHS rather than draining resources or diverting effort from other health priorities
• Establishment of Intellectual Protocols with partner ACCHS
• Ensuring that the views and interest of the local communities are central to the design and conduct of research as well as the interpretation of data and dissemination of results
• Ensuring transferability and sustainability of research outcomes
• Ensuring cultural mentoring for team investigators
• Ensuring research activities carried out under the proposal are conducted within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical guidelines

Researchers:

• Assoc Prof Jacinta Elston
  
• Prof Richard Speare
  
• Mary Lane
  
• Sue Metcalf
  
• Dr Carmel Nelson
  
• Assoc Prof David Atkinson
  
• Assoc Prof Julia Marley