Northern Institute celebrates 10 years

One of the Northern Territory’s leading research institutions bringing an independent voice to issues impacting Territorians is celebrating a major milestone this week – its 10th birthday.   

Established in October 2010, the Charles Darwin University Northern Institute was developed through a partnership with the Northern Territory Government to undertake high quality analysis in social policy and research with a focus on northern Australia.

Over the past decade research at the institute has addressed issues in the demography, regional development, Indigenous knowledges and collaborative governance of the region.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski said the institute had over $35 million of successful research grants under its belt in just a decade.   

“The Northern Institute’s research capacity has grown from strength to strength providing trusted and independent social and public policy advice to government, industry and communities for across northern Australia,” Professor Dlugogorski said.  

“I congratulate NI for achieving so much in only 10 years.”

The institute’s achievements include detailed demographic, economic and workforce analysis of the NT’s population and significant Indigenous community studies, while its researchers have been recognised internationally winning awards for excellence and research leadership.  

Northern Institute Director Ruth Wallace said the institute was developed by local people, to bring an independent voice to local issues and build local capacity through excellence in research and research training.    

“The team has partnered with Territorians through many changes and has grown well beyond its original vision, now recognised internationally for its work on public policy, regional and Indigenous communities,” she said.  

“The institute will continue to grow and lead significant research to understand the future for small, remote and rapidly changing populations, while producing highly qualified and experienced researchers.”  

A video recapping the Northern Institute’s 10-year journey can be found here.