New data shows CDU a leader in First Nations-focused research

Indigenous-focused research made up 17 per cent of Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) total research outputs between 2018 and 2024, according to a review which places the university well-above the estimated national average. 

The review, conducted by CDU’s Office of Research and Innovation, worked to codify CDU’s Indigenous-focused research to determine how many publications met the Indigenous studies code from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification.

The work also aimed to inform strategies to support Indigenous-focused research, alongside Indigenous-related research income generation and impact. 

The review found between 2018 and 2024, 17 per cent of CDU’s research publications, such as journal articles, books and conference papers, met this classification. 

It’s estimated across all Australian universities combined, only about one to three per cent of publications are First Nations-related.

The top areas to produce Indigenous-focused research were the Menzies School of Health Research, the Faculty of Arts and Society, and the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Indigenous-focused research income also doubled between 2018 and 2023, with CDU securing $99 million in funding, totaling to 26 per cent of all research grants. 

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Community Connection Professor Steve Rogers said the data provided valuable insight into how the University was contributing to the Indigenous-focused research space. 

“This data captures our impact and allows us to guide future efforts to continue bolstering our Indigenous-related research,” Professor Rogers said. 

“We’re able to identify our strengths and the areas we can improve and develop tailored strategies to drive growth and impact. 

“Charles Darwin University is strategically positioned in the Northern Territory to conduct meaningful First Nations research, and our academics alongside many stakeholders are dedicated to advancing this field of research.”

Avenues of potential advancement include continuing to maintain coding accuracy, pairing Higher Degree by Research students and early-career researchers with mentors active in Indigenous-focused research, identifying strengths and gaps in research to inform future development and resource allocation, and creating more internal grant opportunities. 

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership Professor Ruth Wallace said codifying this research was critical to advancing CDU’s academic output. 

“CDU is leading the way when it comes to highlighting the impact and importance of First Nations-led research,” Professor Wallace said. 

“This is an important step to bringing Indigenous knowledges to the decision-making tables across a number of fields and bridges the gap between Western and Traditional sciences in Australia."

CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the data supported CDU’s vision to be Australia’s most connected university. 

“One of the key goals in our Strategic Plan is to be the most recognised university for Australian First Nations training, education and research,” Professor Bowman said. 

“These results exemplify our commitment to this goal. Our academics are world-leading and produce research with a national and international impact, and this data will help us to continue this upwards trajectory to be Australia’s most connected, courageous and innovative university.”