NAIDOC week provides an opportunity for the Academy to reflect on its reconciliation journey so far. This follows the launch last year of the Academy's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy".
In celebration of this theme the Academy recently welcomed four inspiring young Indigenous researchers and community advocates for an evening of dialogue and connection - hearing their perspectives on meaningful reconciliation through research, respect and relationship.
The event featured rich and thought -provoking discussion with Dr Katrina Wruck, Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch and Dr Mitchell Gibbs, guided by Tiahni Adamson.
Their discussion delved into how the science system can better respect and value Traditional Knowledges - highlighting the vital role these knowledges play in shaping a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable future for our nation and world.
The talk is available to watch on the Academy's event page.
Recognising excellent research
Earlier this year Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch and Dr Mitchell Gibbs received the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander award for their exceptional interdisciplinary and sociocultural research in the physical and biological sciences.
Their work exemplifies the powerful intersection of culture, science, and community-paving the way for a more inclusive and enriched scientific landscape.
Dr Gibbs is a geoscientist drawing on Traditional practices to restore local marine ecosystem.
He emphasises that genuine inclusion of Indigenous Knowledges in research begins with working with the community that lives there.
"You need to be able to go to those communities to ask: 'what do you know?' and 'how can we learn from you?'."
