Contributing to Griffith’s development as a university of influence in improving the health outcomes of First Peoples communities
The First Peoples Health Unit aims to be a leader in First Peoples Health research and to continually improve our research performance, and through our research, deliver benefits for Australia’s First Peoples and communities.
Our three overarching research programs encapsulate our current research strengths and address local and national health priorities and meeting the needs of First Peoples communities.
eResearch Services
Research Application Development and Support
This service can provide specialist IT support for researchers across all Griffith schools and research centres.
The services and activities are split between software development for niche research needs, providing services such as high performance computing, hosting and maintaining broadly applicable software applications such as research storage and data collection tools, alongside programming workshops and media productions for research projects.
For more information visit eResearch Services
Indigenous-led approaches to Research
The following video (16mins 40secs) is produced by the CSIRO recognising the important role Indigenous science plays in research. The video highlights the strengths-based approach when using Indigenous knowledges and how these are shared specifically for land and sea management working with various Indigenous land and sea corporations of Australia. Whilst this video relates specifically to Indigenous land and sea management it is also a guide to applying a framework for successful research that directly impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
What we offer
Research Training and Impact
The FPHU is making an impact nationally with our research, particularly our research into the measurement of cultural capability, which is enhancing our reputation for research and increasing our opportunities for research income related to First Peoples Health. We realise how important our research is to our communities and we ensure our research findings and outcomes are disseminated to First Peoples communities.
Research Students
First Peoples are significantly underrepresented in higher degree research and the FPHU is committed to increasing First Peoples Health student HDR commencements and completions. We provide support and resources to potential and current HDR students to begin and continue their higher degree journeys. First Peoples HDR students have opportunities to access training in First Peoples research philosophies and methodologies, participate in research workshops and attend conferences to present and network with leaders in their field.
First Peoples Health Research Staff
We provides support and resources for First Peoples staff to begin and continue their higher degree journeys. It is important to increase the proportion of First Peoples academic staff who are research active and there are a number of FPHU staff who are being actively supported to complete postgraduate qualifications. There are also opportunities for PhD students to partner with the FPHU and distinguished academics from other health schools on various research projects.
Research Ethics
The FPHU is making an impact nationally with our research, particularly our research into the measurement of cultural capability, which is enhancing our reputation for research and increasing our opportunities for research income related to First Peoples Health. We realise how important our research is to our communities and we ensure our research findings and outcomes are disseminated to First Peoples communities.
Indigenous Research Unit
The Indigenous Research Unit is another valuable source of resources and support for First Peoples Health HDR students. The IRU coordinates the Indigenous Research Network (IRN), develops the research capacity of academics and research higher degree students, and administers research projects and grants.
Promoting First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing
Five Key Focus Areas underpin the FPHU’s activities and form the basis of our research programs aimed at improving the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Three overarching research areas encapsulate our current research strengths, addressing local and national health priorities and meeting the needs of First Peoples communities.
Promoting First Peoples' Health and Well-Being
First Peoples communities have multiple and considerable strengths to promote their own health and well-being.
FPHU conducts research in partnership with community, industry, health services, clinicians, patients and their families to maximise the benefits for First Peoples and contribute to effective and sustainable health service delivery.
Strengthening the First Peoples Health Workforce
The FPHU employ and evaluate innovative strategies to promote the retention of First Peoples tertiary students and their employability as graduates.
Building Health Workforce Cultural Capability
Researchers with the FPHU examine the translation of cultural capability in different settings and work with partners to develop strategies to promote cultural capability across communities.
PHD and Research Degrees
The First Peoples Health Unit are committed to student success and a more highly skilled, highly educated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
The FPHU actively encourage and support First Peoples health students to undertake and successfully complete higher degree research, navigate the postgraduate system and become the future First Peoples workforce in academia.
Research scholarships available for First Peoples health students include the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Partnerships ‘ACTS OF RECONCILIATION’ Scholarships, and 2 x Lowitja Institute / Griffith University Partnership Scholarships.
Research Study
Take your research to the next level. Find out everything you need to know about research study at Griffith and how to apply. Our Griffith Graduate Research School also offers a range of opportunities to enhance your graduate experience.
