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Research at AIATSIS

AIATSIS has responsibility for a multitude of research programs and services, and engages in numerous partnerships with research institutions and Indigenous regional alliances, communities and individuals.

AIATSIS conducts research in fields relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and encourages others to do the same.  Through this research, AIATSIS contributes to:

• the development of understanding of Indigenous cultures and societies in contemporary and historical contexts;
• the investigation of the key factors that impact on Indigenous peoples’ health and wellbeing;
• the analysis of the engagement of Indigenous peoples with government policies and programs; and
• the development of greater understanding of Indigenous peoples relationship to country and contributions to the management of land and waters.

Research activities are conducted by the Research Program and the Native Title Research Unit, and are mainly carried out by staff researchers who are experts in their fields of study and practice. A research grants program provides funding for external researchers to conduct their own research.

The Native Title Research Unit (NTRU), a special unit within the Research Program, addresses pressing research needs arising from the recognition of native title.

The Research Advisory Committee oversees the research program by:

• assessing applications for research grants made to the Institute and to making recommendations to the Council in relation to such applications; and
• advising the Council in relation to research matters

The AIATSIS Guidelines for Ethical Research in Indigenous Studies has been widely adopted as an Australian standard.

The range and diversity of AIATSIS research publications reflect the diversity of research staff interests and of the audiences for which they are produced, including Indigenous communities, academic bodies and government agencies.

The Institute also makes funding available to individuals and organisations through the Research Grants Program; it provides training, facilities and support for Indigenous trainee researchers, and visiting and honorary scholars. AIATSIS also commissions research projects and conducts work jointly with other organisations.