It's hoped the project will help make blood transfusions safer and more effective for Indigenous Australians.
UNSW Sydney Professor Maree Toombs has been awarded $1.59 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) to address a 60-year research gap in blood group genetics among First Nations Australians.
Indigenous people who need blood transfusions currently face a higher risk of immune reactions, as for years they have been underrepresented in genomics data.
Prof. Toombs' project aims to create the first large-scale map of blood group variation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by utilising advanced DNA technology to map blood group genes and compile a detailed catalogue of genetic differences.
"This type of research is crucial because it fills a long-standing gap in understanding the blood group diversity of Australia's First Peoples," Prof. Toombs said.
"It could improve transfusion safety, lead to better medical treatments and create fairer blood typing methods."
A leading researcher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, Prof. Toombs is a proud Euralayie/Kooma woman from north-west NSW, and Deputy Dean Indigenous at UNSW Medicine & Health. She will develop the project with Associate Professor Shivashankar Hiriyur Nagaraj from Queensland University of Technology.
"We will work closely with Elders and community leaders to ensure they are comfortable with this research and to understand any cultural concerns or protocols," Prof. Toombs said.
"Perhaps most importantly, this study establishes ethical frameworks for conducting genomic research with Indigenous communities, ensuring future research respects cultural values, follows community protocols and is genuinely community-led rather than imposed from outside."
Developing Indigenous expertise
The project will also focus on building Indigenous capacity in genomics and developing a dedicated Indigenous workforce to strengthen community leadership in future research.
"We hope that in the long term this research will encourage rare blood group donations, strengthen donor registries and improve transfusion safety, benefiting Indigenous communities and all Australians who rely on safe blood supplies," Prof. Toombs said.
The study is one of 16 projects to receive a share of $18.4 million through the ARC Discovery Indigenous scheme . The scheme supports research programs led by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers, helping to build the research capacity of higher degree students and early career researchers.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the diversity of projects selected for funding, and the focus on Indigenous-led research, will expand Australia's Indigenous knowledge systems.
"Through the Discovery Indigenous scheme, the ARC plays a crucial role in supporting career pathways for emerging Indigenous researchers. We are investing in our future research leaders," she said.
UNSW Dean of Medicine & Health, Professor Cheryl Jones said the project would deliver meaningful advances in precision medicine for all Australians.
"Professor Toombs' project is a crucial step toward improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities," she said.
