Research Involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples and Communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research includes all research that impacts on or is of particular significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the planning, collection, analysis and dissemination of information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about, or may affect, Indigenous peoples, either collectively or individually (AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research).

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies is a Commonwealth statutory authority with responsibility for providing leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research including ethics and protocols. AIATSIS and NHMRC provide a code of ethics and guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.

It is crucial to ensure that ethical research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities will:

  • improve the way all researchers work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities
  • develop and/or strengthen research capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities
  • enhance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as researchers, research partners, collaborators and participants in research.

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