The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced $18.4 million in funding for 16 new projects under its Discovery Indigenous scheme. This initiative is dedicated to supporting research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, while also building capacity among higher degree students and early career researchers from Indigenous communities.
The newly funded projects will address a wide array of topics, including the development of culturally appropriate mental health treatments and the integration of Indigenous perspectives into environmental care and biodiversity management. These projects reflect a commitment to both scientific advancement and the preservation and application of Indigenous knowledge systems.
Professor Ute Roessner, CEO of the ARC, highlighted that the supported projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of Indigenous-led research. She emphasized that the Discovery Indigenous scheme not only contributes to national research priorities but also strengthens pathways for emerging Indigenous scholars, helping cultivate the next generation of research leaders grounded in Indigenous perspectives.
