La Trobe University has appointed leading Wiradjuri archaeologist Dr Kellie Pollard as its inaugural Wurruwila Wutja Research Fellow, marking a significant milestone in the University's commitment to advancing Indigenous-led research.
Dr Pollard joins La Trobe from Charles Darwin University and will commence in the role on 24 August.
Dr Pollard's research brings together Indigenous knowledges and Western science to develop new approaches to archaeological research on Country in partnership with Indigenous communities. Her research interests include Indigenous and historical archaeology, Indigenous-Australian contact archaeology, truth-telling, Aboriginal history and treaty-making.
Dr Pollard holds a PhD from Flinders University and has secured multiple Australian Research Council grants. She is also a member of an international research team awarded a US$30 million National Science Foundation grant to establish the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science at the University of Massachusetts.
The Wurruwila Wutja Research Fellowship is a flagship initiative under La Trobe University's Research and Innovation 2030 strategy. It is designed to support and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers while strengthening Indigenous research capability and creating positive outcomes for communities.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Dr Michael Donovan said Dr Pollard's appointment reflected La Trobe's commitment to growing Indigenous research leadership.
"Dr Pollard is an outstanding scholar whose work demonstrates the strength of Indigenous knowledges and their contribution to addressing complex research questions," Dr Donovan said.
"The Wurruwila Wutja Research Fellowship is an important investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and reinforces our commitment to creating pathways for Indigenous scholarship to flourish."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Chris Pakes said the Fellowship was a key initiative in delivering the University's research strategy.
"Research excellence is strengthened by diverse perspectives and genuine partnerships. Dr Pollard's internationally recognised work will make a significant contribution to La Trobe's research community and enhance our leadership in Indigenous-led research."
Dr Pollard said she was excited to join La Trobe and contribute to research that centres Indigenous knowledge systems and benefits communities.
"I'm honoured to be appointed as La Trobe's inaugural Wurruwila Wutja Research Fellow. This Fellowship provides an exciting opportunity to work alongside colleagues and communities to advance research that is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
"I look forward to building collaborative research partnerships that support truth-telling, strengthen Indigenous-led scholarship and create lasting benefits for communities through research on Country."
Dr Pollard will be based within La Trobe's Archaeology program and the Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja Research Centre, where she will contribute to the University's growing research strengths in Indigenous knowledge, archaeology and collaborative research with communities.
