Research Objectives

Aim, Rationale and Strategies

AIM
To develop, resource and conduct a leading program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and development activities

RATIONALE
Establishing a vigorous, focussed research agenda - with an accompanying coda of knowledge transfer and development - within the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at The University of New South Wales that ensures:

• High visibility for research into Indigenous health locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Efficient utilisation of research personnel/resources by focussing on crucial areas where Muru Marri has existing or developing expertise
• Greater up-take of research and new knowledge into communities, health systems and health procedures to maximise the likelihood of Indigenous health gain.

STRATEGIES
Strategy 1: 
Develop research programs in priority areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Outputs:

• Research programs are initiated in the following areas:  Aboriginal identifiers, maternal and infant health, social, spiritual and emotional well-being, and prevention and management of chronic disease.
• All research is conducted in accordance with agreed local and national priorities, and with values and ethical guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.

Outcome:
• Muru Marri makes a significant contribution to the local, regional, national and international Indigenous health agenda.

Strategy 2:
Increase levels of consultancy research.

Outputs:

• Contracts signed for consultancy research with peak Indigenous health agencies, NGOs, and/or government.

Outcome:
• Muru Marri furthers its capacity to conduct high quality research within a business environment.

Strategy 3:
Build research networks at local, regional, national and international levels.

Outputs:

• Increased participation in research activities in collaboration with partners across Australia and internationally.

Outcome:
• Muru Marri raises its visibility as a strategic partner in Indigenous health research.

Strategy 4:
Build research capacity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Outputs:

• Potential Indigenous researchers are identified, through the Medicine Program, associations with individual communities, and one-on-one networks.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are consulted to determine needs and interests in Indigenous health research.
• Non-Indigenous researchers are encouraged to undertake research in Indigenous health topics, through networks and personal association.
• All research incorporates measures to ensure knowledge and skills translation.

Outcome:
• The extent, quality and likely up-take of Aboriginal and Torres Strait health research are increased.

Strategy 5:
Enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health scholarship generally.

Outputs:

• A rights-based framework for Aboriginal health in Australia.
• Peer-reviewed publications developing positive approaches to social, spiritual and emotional well-being.
• Advancement in the quality of philosophical analysis and critique within the field, including Indigenous health pedagogy, through publication and dissemination of scholarly work.

Outcome:
• The quality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health scholarship is increased.