Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr has announced the formation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network designed to facilitate more  opportunities for indigenous researchers and advance their work in a supportive environment.

 

The Federal Government will provide up to $800,000 a year over four years through the Australian Research Council (ARC) to establish and support the new network.

 

“This Network will help us address one of the key needs identified in our Research Workforce Strategy — we need to ensure Australia enlists all of the research talent we can, including Indigenous Australians who offer a unique cultural perspective and knowledge base that nobody else can provide.” Senator Carr said.

 

The Network will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers of all career stages and from a range of discipline areas, at research institutions across the country. It is being funded under the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Initiatives scheme.

 

Funding for research led by indigenous Australians is provided through the ARC's Discovery Indigenous scheme. The scheme's objectives are to:

  • develop the research expertise of Indigenous Australian researchers;
  • support fundamental research and research training by Indigenous Australian researchers as individuals and as teams;
  • support and retain established Indigenous Australian researchers in Australian higher education institutions; and
  • expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability.

Appllications to Discovery Indigenous for funding commencing 2012 close on June 7. More information is at http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/di/di_default.htm.

 

A call for proposals for the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’ Network will occur in coming months, to be advised by the Australian Research Council.