Our Indigenous research community looks to expand our understanding of the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous peoples in Australia and the Asia–Pacific region, and to improve knowledge and understanding for the benefit of Indigenous communities and Australian society as a whole.
Supporting Indigenous Researchers
The University of Melbourne is home to exceptional Indigenous researchers across academic disciplines and has growing global Indigenous research networks that foster important collaborations.
Supported by our Indigenous Research Framework 2023-2027 (accessible version) and through implementation of our five-year Indigenous Strategy Murmuk Djerring, we strive to create a research culture and scholarly environment that supports Indigenous people’s self-determination and values Indigenous histories, heritage, culture and knowledge as integral elements, along with our abiding goals of research excellence and meaningful contributions through discovery, research engagement, and impact.
Read more about the support and other initiatives available to Indigenous Researchers
Indigenous research spotlight
Palynology, Palaeoecology and Biogeography
Looking into the past through sediment archives, retrieved from wetlands, to uncover the legacy of Indigenous Care for Country across Australia.
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Replanting the Birthing Trees to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies
Intergenerational trauma is a root cause of health inequities, and addressing this is essential for Closing the Gap. Trauma-integrated, culturally safe and skillful continuity-of-care for parents experiencing trauma and violence is a serious service gap and a national priority.
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The truth of exemption: facilitating healing through truth-telling of Australia’s exemption policies
Landmark research led by Indigenous Elders is helping build new, empowering narratives around Australia’s exemption policies that caused intergenerational trauma and loss of culture, to begin healing.
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The scar trees of Boort
The Lake Boort region is considered a nationally significant Aboriginal cultural site. With over 400 scar trees, mounds, ceremonial spaces and extensive artefacts, this ephemeral landscape offers visitors a unique immersive experience of Dja Dja Wurrung Country. On the eastern edge of Lake Boort is Paul Haw’s farm which houses an informal keeping place for Dja Dja Wurrung. But this is only a temporary measure. Dja Dja Wurrung dream of a permanent space for their growing collection of artefacts and cultural items.
Read moreIndigenous Knowledge Institute
Leading research in Indigenous knowledge across Australia and around the world.
Additional courses for graduate researchers
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Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research
Develop a wide range of research skills in a culturally respectful learning environment underpinned by Indigenous perspectives.
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Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership
An interdisciplinary coursework program that aims to develop leadership skills and capacity in, or involving, Indigenous research.
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Indigenous Cultural and Creative IP
Micro-credential
Gain the skills and understanding to support the continuation and reclamation of Indigenous culture and cultural expression.
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Indigenous Community Research
Micro-credential
Develop the skills and understanding to engage respectfully with Indigenous communities.