NHMRC works to improve and promote the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the support of health and medical research. We develop and endorse national guidelines, highlight research outcomes through articles, case studies and reports. We also produce a Reconciliation Action Plan, to guide our commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On this page
- Health advice
- In Focus stories
- Impact case studies
- Evidence-practice policy gap (EPPG) – Indigenous
- Reconciliation Action Plan
Health advice
NHMRC develops or endorses national guidelines and provides health advice to the Australian people and Government. It has implemented a number of initiatives that address health priority areas for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Publications of note:
- Road Map 3: A strategic framework for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through research (Road Map 3)
- Revised Ethical guidelines for research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- The Indigenous guide to healthy eating poster
- Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Community Water Planner - A tool for small communities to develop drinking water management plans
- Overview of Systematic Reviews of Research into the Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Overview) – available in the Downloads section.
Find more of our latest publications.
In Focus stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers and research
InFocus showcases significant stories from the health and medical research community. Some of these articles feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and the outcomes of their research, including:
- grass-roots Aboriginal researcher Professor Maree Toombs, who is responsible for developing the first Indigenous-led and designed suicide intervention training program
- Professor Catherine Chamberlain who received an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and how mentorship impacted her research journey
- the legacy of culturally safe maternity care delivered over five decades by Professor Rhonda Marriott.
Read more InFocus articles.
Impact case studies about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research
Our Impact case studies demonstrate the outcomes and impact of health and medical research. Impact case studies involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research include:
- Safer birthing for First Nations families – 1 July 2022
- Indigenous children's oral health – 16 July 2021
- Folate and healthy babies – 8 January 2021
- Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North – 6 January 2021
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – 25 February 2020
Read more of our Impact case studies.
Evidence-practice policy gap (EPPG) – Indigenous
An evidence-practice/policy gap is the difference between what is known from the best available research evidence and what is practised in reality (through delivery of medical care or drafting of policies or guidelines). NHMRC is pursuing a range of initiatives to foster the translation of scientific discoveries into policy and practice.
This includes the development of reports to raise awareness of the evidence to practice policy gaps that currently exist in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples covers all aspects of NHMRC’s responsibilities, as well as contributing to the Australian Government’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031.
NHMRC has a second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was developed in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia.
A RAP is a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhance respect, and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.