Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent the oldest continuing culture on Earth. In the School of Population Health, we acknowledge and pay respect to community leadership and self-determination as powerful determinants of health.
First Peoples ways of knowing, being and doing continue to inform strengths-based, community-led approaches to health, wellbeing, policy and practice. Our research centres community priorities, strengths, knowledge systems and leadership, while recognising colonisation, racism and dispossession as structural determinants of health that must be addressed through culturally informed, community-led research, policy and practice. Together, we aim to create meaningful change that strengthens health and wellbeing with First Peoples, stakeholders and communities.
Our purpose
We work with First Peoples, in partnership with communities and organisations, to enable Indigenous-led priorities for health research, policy and practice, and to support outcomes that are meaningful and responsive to identified priority areas. Research conducted within the School, and with our partners draws on a range of Indigenous research methodologies and community-led, co-designed approaches, addressing the socio-cultural and structural determinants of health to contribute to practical, measurable improvements in health and wellbeing across the lifespan.
Our strategic priorities
Our research strengths include:
- Building a workforce of First Peoples research academics equipped to lead competitive funding grants
- Build and sustain respectful partnerships with First Peoples, communities and organisations
- Advance implementation science, epidemiology, evaluation, health systems research and policy analysis through an Indigenous lens
Our research focus areas
- Social and emotional wellbeing
- Child and adolescent health and wellbeing
- Healthy ageing
- Physical activity and wellbeing
- Chronic disease prevention and management
Our impact
Our research contributes to practical and lasting improvements in health, healing and social and emotional wellbeing, grounded in First Peoples priorities, rights, knowledge and self-determination.
Capacity strengthening is central to our impact. We are proud to support the growth of the next generation of First Peoples researchers, clinicians and population health practitioners, within environments that value cultural safety, strengths-based approaches and community leadership.
Through strong partnerships and an extensive network of collaborators, our research informs policy and practice across community organisations, health services, governments, and national and international research networks. Together, we seek to create lasting change, fostering opportunities and celebrating the resilience, knowledge and contributions of First Peoples, now and for generations to come.
Our team
For students
Coursework
Current postgraduate courses focused on First People's health and wellbeing are:
