2023 NHMRC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Report Card of Achievements
This report card details 2023 achievements against the 2021–2024 Action Plan for Road Map 3: A Strategic Framework for Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through Research. NHMRC continues to work with the Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus (PCIC) to progress all 18 actions in the Action Plan.
NHMRC is committed to spending 5% or more of the Medical Research Endowment Account (MREA) on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research.
PUBLIC HEALTH and HEALTH SERVICES were the top fields of research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health receiving $31,858,284 in funding.
Strengthening Capacity
NHMRC is committed to building and strengthening capacity of Indigenous researchers. In 2023:
*All grants being paid in 2023
Principal Committee Indigenous Caucus
PCIC is appointed on a triennial basis and works with NHMRC Council and CEO to provide advice on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. Professor Yvonne Cadet-James is chair of PCIC and also a member of NHMRC Council for the 2021-2024 triennium.
National Consultation - Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria
Our biggest activity for 2023 was the national consultation to review the Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria (IREC). The IREC were designed to ensure that research into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is of the highest scientific merit, likely to be beneficial and have impact and is acceptable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
A report of the consultation is available.
The Office of the NHMRC are now working with the PCIC on an implementation plan.
Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Commercial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
This TCR aims to encourage innovative, novel research in the emerging area of commercial determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applications closed in late 2023, with successful grant recipients to be announced in late 2024.
2022 NHMRC Sandra Eades Investigator Grant Award
Doctor Graham Gee was the recipient of the 2022 NHMRC Sandra Eades Investigator Grant Award. A clinical psychologist, his research focuses on using Indigenous research methodologies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to support healing and recovery needs of survivors and develop early intervention practices.
This annual NHMRC award is named to honour Professor Sandra Eades AO FAHMS FASSA, the first Indigenous medical practitioner to be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy. The award is given to the top-ranked Indigenous researcher grant recipient in the Emerging Leadership Category of Investigator Grants.
Our Collaborations in Health Research (OCHRe) Network
The collective vision of the NHMRC-funded First Nations Research Network, Our Collaborations in Health Research (OCHRe), is the establishment of a culturally secure and inclusive network of Indigenous researchers. OCHRe supports the interface of culture, science and health research that translates to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples.
OCHRe activities in 2023 included the appointment of a National Manager and establishment of their governance structure. There are now over 250 members who are engaged through regular newsletters and webinars. An online workshop focussed on building the capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers was delivered in November and included a presentation from NHMRC on ‘How to write a good NHMRC grant'.
