Indigenous researchers prepare to lead national network
Published on 24 January, 2013
A small group of senior Indigenous researchers gathered in Hobart recently for the first leaders meeting of the newly-funded National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN)...
The leaders in specific disciplines started the strategic planning and implementation of program activities that will create pathways for Indigenous people from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, across institutions.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks will be involved in the NIRAKN as CQUniversity's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement, and as a Leader in Health and Wellbeing.
NIRAKN will be established as a multi-disciplinary hub and spokes model of Indigenous researchers at various stages of their career from over 24 collaborating universities and five partner organisations, along with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Administered through the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), under the leadership of Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson, NIRAKN was awarded funded of $3,198,392 through the Australian Research Council (ARC).
University of Tasmania (UTas) Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen and UTas' Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Patrick Nixon attended the meeting at the Hobart campus. Professor Rathien congratulated the group on their funding success and discussed areas of research.
An inaugural meeting of all 24 collaborating universities, along with partners and researchers, will be held in Brisbane in February.
"This will be an historic meeting to mark the formalised establishment of a growing critical mass of multi-disciplinary, qualified Indigenous researchers to meet the compelling research needs of Indigenous communities," Professor Fredericks said.
"I will provide updates on work undertaken by the NIRAKN that showcases CQUniversity involvement." 
Prof Aileen Moreton-Robinson (centre) makes a point during the meeting
Prof Steve Larkin, PVC Indigenous Leadership, Charles Darwin University
