The Jawun Research Centre

One of Australia’s greatest health challenges remains the restoration of First Nations’ peoples’ self-determination and wellbeing, lands and governance systems. Jawun’s research responds to priorities identified by First Nations peoples and by organisations who are led by or serve First Nations communities. Engaging with long term research partners to amplify the voice of Indigenous youth in health equity research, the transgenerational nature of the challenges means that research spans an entire life cycle.

Jawun’s multidisciplinary research team and work are located at the interface of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in a space that is respectful of different cultural worldviews, values and practices. Aligned with the urgent need to create sustainable and tangible improvements with First Nations leaders for Indigenous communities, research goals maximise individual and collective impact by growing strengths focussed Indigenous, qualitative, quantitative, and creative or arts informed research methods. The aim is continuous quality improvement (CQI) and collaborative and participatory research partnerships.

The disaster management and public health programs of research aim to provide avenues for genuine and respectful partnerships with First Nations communities to define and implement preparedness, response, recovery, and sustainable risk reduction measures for disasters and infectious disease outbreaks.

The United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) provides the foundation directives to incorporate First Nations Peoples knowledges in disaster management planning and risk reduction, complimenting scientific knowledge to reduce risk and build resilience.

Disaster management and public health research programs ensure that Indigenous voices and knowledges are collected, retained and integrated int transformational research in disaster management planning and risk reduction strategies to prepare for, cope with and survive emergencies and disasters.

Language, culture, and social and emotional well-being research spans linguistics, social, cultural, and medical anthropology and public health. The related research, with a focus on northern Australia aims to benefit First Nations peoples by enhancing the understanding of the determinants of their well-being, and that of the current health communication practices. Research includes documentation and maintenance of original languages and contemporary communication patterns. Researchers intend to improve health and well-being communication to streamline social, health and spiritual impacts of First Nations health programs and services.

The community led mental health and genomics programs of research are focused on ensuring that research activities with implications for Indigenous health are sustainable, consultative, and translational. We are passionate about community empowerment, emphasising strength-based approaches to change motivation and the ability of Indigenous Australia to lead the way with respect to better health and wellbeing. Overall, the aim is to deliver research outcomes that translate to improvement in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.

Under the co-direction of Professors Adrian Miller and Janya McCalman, the centre’s local, national and extended international focus is aligned with the Indigenous studies field of research, maintained through networks with research groups, communities, services, government and industry.

Professor Adrian Miller BA, MPH, PhD is Deputy Vice-President Indigenous Engagement, /BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement, and Co-Director of the Jawun Research Centre and is a recognised expert with the Academy of Sciences. Prof Miller’s strong leadership includes  positive collaborative outcomes for Indigenous Australian communities, including the group to which he belongs, the Jirrbal people of North Queensland.

Professor Janya McCalman, BA (Hons), MPH, PhD, is a public health research fellow, and leads the Jawun Community Wellbeing program. Prof McCalman is internationally recognised for her extensive research that enable resilience, empowerment and wellbeing in the interaction between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with schools, workplaces, health services and in other community contexts.