Bio: Dr Michelle Kennedy is a Wiradjuri woman raised on Worimi country in New South Wales. She is Assistant Dean Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle and the Executive Manager in Research and Knowledge Translation at the Lowitja Institute. Dr Kennedy’s work focuses on culturally responsive approaches for the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in smoking cessation. She is also a leader in the design and implementation of ethical research in partnership with Aboriginal communities, particularly Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

Abstract: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is a quickly expanding and influential area of research that has a significant impact on the policies, funding and services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have access to. Although some of this research is conducted in a respectful and appropriate way, much of the research in this area is not. As a result, even research with the best intentions often does not benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and at its worst can lead to further marginalisation or disempowerment. Thus there is an urgent need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, as well as meaningful policies outlining the ways to conduct reciprocal, respectful and responsible research with (rather than on) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dr Kennedy will share with us her wealth of experience and knowledge in conducting health research that privileges the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and that leads to improvements in health through Indigenous-led solutions. She will also discuss her current project developing new knowledge on the uptake of ethical processes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.

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