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Northern Institute

People. Policy. Place.

We are driven to make positive differences in communities, society and policy through robust and independent research.

Researcher Sigurd Dyrting

People

Meet the people who are making a difference at the Northern Institute. Find a profile or get in touch with a researcher. 

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Looking for study opportunities with the Northern Institute? Find courses, programs, Indigenous micro-credentials and upcoming workshops.

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People. Policy. Place.

Seminars

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Director's message

Northern Institute was established in 2011 through a partnership between Charles Darwin University and the Northern Territory Government to undertake high quality analysis in social and policy research and build research capacity and leadership in Northern Australia.

Over the past decade, under the Directorship of Professor Ruth Wallace, the NI has grown to become a major ‘think tank’ in Australia’s north and a known hub for research expertise and training.    

Our research is underpinned by a deep understanding of partners’ and communities’ strengths and challenges, is informed by the complexity of issues facing regional and remote areas, and has a clear focus on delivering accurate, at times challenging, analysis for communities, government and industry. Much of the Northern Institute’s research is recognised by a long-held commitment to co-design that ensures research is undertaken in ways that strengthen voices that are often unheard and develops contextually meaningful evidence that supports effective decision making. 

Our researchers and research students are committed to undertaking work of relevance, excellence and, above all, social impact. 

Welcome to Northern Institute.

- Professor Kim Humphery, Director, Northern Institute

Northern Institute Events

News

  • A new MoU between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Remote Indigenous Parents Australia National Indigenous Corporation (RIPA) has been signed. Pictured L-R: CDU’s Professor Ruth Wallace, RIPA member Noele Anderson, CDU’s Reuben Bolt, CDU’s Northern Institute researcher Michaela Spencer and RIPA member Bjorn Christie-Johnston.

    MOU to focus on using Indigenous knowledge to empower remote NT communities

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Remote Indigenous Parents Australia National Indigenous Corporation (RIPA) will aim to create more connected and inclusive schools and communities in the Northern Territory.

    Read More
  • CDU researchers tackle remote waste management in remote communities.

    CDU researchers tackle remote waste

    In faraway outback towns across the Northern Territory, the tyranny of distance resulting in high transport costs means goods arrive, but sometimes never leave. 

    Read more
  • Rohan Fisher develops web app to study fire edges.

    New fire-edge maps helping to understand how landscapes stop fires

    A land’s topography and landscape features have an influence on how fires behave, which is why local knowledge is vital in fire management.

    Read more

Acknowledgment

Northern Institute acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country in which we live and work throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to the land, waters, and seas. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and elders, past, present, and emerging. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website & our publications may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.

Our Research Support Services are located on Larrakia Land. 

landscape showing boulders at Karlu Karlu/ Devils Marbles