CDU invests $2m in First Nations research scholarships

In a push to engage more First Nations students, Charles Darwin University (CDU) is investing up to $2 million in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarship initiatives to strengthen pathways, participation and success for First Nations researchers.

The investment package improves accessibility to research by enabling eligible First Nations students to undertake a Master by Research as a pathway to PhD studies and increasing PhD stipend supports to $53,000 annually for four years.

The new First Nations Scholarship also has additional research allowances for unique costs associated with First Nations research such as travel, community engagement, ethics requirements, and reimbursement for research participants.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership Professor Ruth Wallace said the investment reinforced the University’s commitment to strengthening and growing First Nations research capability, and recognised students’ unique circumstance, such as travel to remote communities for data collection.

"First Nations knowledges and research are critical to addressing the unique opportunities and challenges facing the Northern Territory and Australia,” Professor Wallace said.  

“This investment offers stronger, more flexible pathways for First Nations academics to be recognised as visionary research leaders in their respective fields, an outcome that is critical when empowering communities, driving culturally safe policy-making, and protecting traditional knowledge.

"Charles Darwin University is committed to equipping First Nations individuals with the tools to lead the changes they wish to see in their communities, both from an academic and a research perspective."

Dean of Graduate Studies Professor Steven Greenland said the new scholarships would be funded through Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) to provide targeted support at all levels, from entry into research through to PhD completion.  

He said CDU had access to a funding pool of more than $5 million through the program and decided to earmark $2 million for First Nations applicants because there was a need.  

“We would like to see at least ten strong First Nations applicants for these scholarships, which would use about half of the available funding,” he said.

“By strengthening scholarship support from Masters by Research through to PhD completion, CDU is investing in the next generation of First Nations researchers and leaders.”

The initiative aligns with CDU's strategic commitment to First Nations leadership and the Northern Territory and is expected to increase First Nations HDR enrolments, improve completion rates and strengthen Indigenous-led research across the University.