Building and strengthening capacity of Indigenous health researchers

Targeted Calls for Research (TCR)

There are currently no open TCRs regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

You can always place a submission through the Community Research Priorities Portal. This enables community and professional groups to submit research topics to NHMRC that may be underfunded or have a significant research knowledge gap. If prioritised, submissions may be developed into a TCR.

For more information, visit the Community Research Priorities Portal.

Previous TCRs include:

2018 Targeted Call for Research into Nutrition in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

A Targeted Call for Research into Nutrition in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is now closed. Outcomes from the call will be made available via the funding area of this website.

2018 Targeted Call for Research into Healthy Ageing

A Targeted Call for Research into Healthy Ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is now closed. Further information is available via the funding area of this website.

2018 Targeted Call for Research into Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

A Targeted Call for Research into Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from Early Life to Young Adults is now closed. Applications for this scheme closed on 7 February 2018. Further information is available via Grant Connect.

2017 Targeted Call for Research into Dementia

NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research into Dementia in Indigenous Australians. Applications for this scheme are now closed. Outcomes from the call will be made available via the funding area of this website.

2013 Targeted Call for Research into Suicide prevention

NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research into Suicide Prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Outcomes from the call are available via the funding area.

2012 Targeted Call for Research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Overview of Systematic Reviews of Research into the Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Overview)

In 2015 the Australasian Cochrane Centre (the Cochrane Collaboration) were contracted to identify current systematic reviews (2012 onwards) that included studies involving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and considered effects of interventions on health. The search identified 25 reviews and summarised the characteristics of current systematic reviews. This included quantitative evaluations of the effects of interventions (including programs and services) on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Overview provides information about the type and volume of current review evidence available for informing policy and practice. It also identifies gaps in systematic review activity, providing information to inform decisions about where new or updated reviews may be needed, as well as a list of epidemiological reviews, the findings of which may highlight the need for intervention research.

Read the Overview of Systematic Reviews of Research into the Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Overview) from the Downloads section.

Public Consultations

NHMRC sought community input into research priorities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which may form the basis of a TCR grant opportunity. Submissions opened 23 November 2020 and closed 8 February 2021. Further details and next steps can be found at Research priorities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Workshops, forums and events

2019 Tripartite Agreement International Indigenous Workshop

Through a commitment under the Tripartite Agreement that NHMRC has with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand, building and strengthening capacity workshop with First Nations was held in December 2019. One of the objectives of the partnership is to strengthen the capacity and capability of Indigenous health and medical researchers. 

December 2018 NHMRC National Network concept workshop

NHMRC is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through research funding and building capacity and capability of researchers. This follows on from the May 2018 workshop on strengthening and growing capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Researchers. This formed the basis for the development of a Targeted Call into a National Network. Read the National Network concept workshop report (from the Downloads section).

May 2018 NHMRC Strengthening and growing capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Researchers workshop 

NHMRC is committed to growth in the capacity and capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers. NHMRC hosted and brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers at all stages of their career to discuss how NHMRC could strengthen capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers. This workshop produced a comprehensive report as the bedrock for various actions and initiatives. Read the Strengthening and growing capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Researchers workshop report (from the Downloads section).

2017 NHMRC Symposium on Research Translation

Co-hosted by NHMRC and the Lowitja Institute and under the theme "The Butterfly Effect: Translating Knowledge into Action for Positive Change", the Symposium presented an outstanding opportunity to focus on action needed to improve the health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Peoples through effective translation of health, wellbeing and medical research into policy and practice.

13 November 2017 Torres Strait Islander Yarning Workshop

Torres Strait Islander researchers, health professionals and community members were brought together to discuss distinct health and well-being, and capacity building and strengthening in research and researchers to meet health and well-being needs. Read Torres Strait Islander researchers yarning workshop report (from the Downloads section).

17 May 2016 NHMRC Translating Research into Policy and Practice (TRIPP) Forum

NHMRC held a forum bringing key researchers and stakeholders together to discuss research translation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. This looked to identify evidence practice and policy gaps, effectiveness of interventions and other health questions relevant to Indigenous Australians. Read the TRIPP Forum report (from the Downloads section).

8 April 2014 National Forum – Research Excellence through building capacity of Indigenous researchers

NHMRC held a national forum to bring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and key stakeholders together to:

• develop a model to build and strengthen the capacity and research excellence of Indigenous health researchers
• encourage applicants to apply to NHMRC schemes
• seek feedback on Chapter 3 of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. 

Read the NHMRC Forum: Research excellence through building capacity of Indigenous health researchers report (from the Downloads section).

May 2013 International Mentorship Workshop

NHMRC participated in a Mentorship Workshop with Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in Melbourne to identify effective ways to build capacity and mentor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical health researchers. Read the Mentorship Workshop Report (from the Downloads section below).