Indigenous research - the right way
Ethical and responsible practice is essential in all research that involves or impacts Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. It helps ensure your research is safe, respectful, and conducted in fair and mutual cultural exchange.
The resources linked below provide information about the principles and protocols you will need to understand and apply before, during, and after your research.
Get an overview
Indigenous Research
Information regarding Indigenous research at the University of Adelaide
Research Services
Provides advice and support for University researchers and their sponsors
Scholarships
University scholarships open to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander researchers
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Principles and guides to ethical Indigenous Australian research
All research that concerns or impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must comply with these codes of ethics and any relevant sector specific codes or guides.
- AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
In October 2020 AIATSIS published the Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. This document supersedes and replaces the Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (GERAIS). All references to GERAIS in Australian research codes and guidance should be taken to refer to this Code.
- Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (the 2018 Code) establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour.
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Statement (2007) consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
- AIATSIS Ethical Research
A direct link to the AIATSIS Ethical Research webpage with further information about the guidelines, the application framework, forms and templates, committee meeting dates and FAQ.
- AIATSIS Research
Homepage for AIATSIS Research including current projects, research publications, and guides and resources.
- AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
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National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
NHMRC create pathways to a healthier future through their research funding, health guidelines and the ethical standards they set and uphold.
- Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples & communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders 2018
Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders which provide a set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality and of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
- Keeping research on track II
A companion guideline that provides advice on how these values and principles can be put into practice in research. Further information and resources are available on the NHMRC website.
- Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples & communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders 2018
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Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP)
ICIP is an internationally-recognised term for the right of Indigenous peoples to decide how their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions may be depicted, and who has permission to do this. It is based on the principles of self-determination and free, prior and informed consent.
Rights in Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are imperfectly reflected in Australian law, but must be respected. ICIP ensures that all participants in research projects are aware of the inclusive nature of Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, as well as intellectual property.
- Rights to Culture: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), Copyright and Protocols
These principles were created by Dr Terri Janke to apply to projects that work with Indigenous people and communities and offer an outline for working with Indigenous peoples to protect ICIP.
- Our Culture : Our Future Report on Australian Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights
Report on Australian Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. *This report was written in 1999 and many of the laws that are referred to have changed.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) Protocol 3: Intellectual Property
In this video Damien Webb talks about the importance of recognising the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to determine the use and access provisions for collection materials that reflect their own history, culture, language and traditions, and the responsibilities that we have as custodians of that knowledge within the library.
- First International Conference on the Cultural & Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Mataatua Declaration on Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous People, 1993.
- Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts (2020) Australia Council for the Arts.
- Rights to Culture: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), Copyright and Protocols
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Further resources and examples
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The library's How Do I guides are self-help guides available to help build information skills such as referencing, searching effectively, and finding and analysing resources for specific subject areas. There is also a guide that assists with finding and accessing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources.
- School of Education Seminar: Researching with Indigenous Peoples
A video which includes the slide presentation by School of Education Director of Indigenous Learning, Michael Colbung.
- Indigenous Leadership - Charles Darwin University
A selection of videos from students and researchers speaking about their experiences with research protocols and approaches to research projects when working and engaging specifically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
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Indigenous Research
In line with the recommendations and initiatives of the Tarrkarri Tirrka (Future Learning), the University of Adelaide Integrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy, the University is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous researchers and research students.
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Contact
Book an appointment with your Liaison Librarian or send an email for more information.