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Northern Institute

People. Policy. Place.

The Northern Institute is a regional leader in high-quality social and public policy research. We aim to make positive changes by providing strong evidence for policy development and capacity building whilst responding to the needs of our communities and governments.

CDU Engaging Governance Facilitators

Our Research & Partnerships

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Jen Deger and Paul Wunungmurra

Our People & Governance

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Researcher Jen Macdonald takes sound recordings of Rapid Creek waters

Our Postgrad & Research Degrees

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rachel Groom in front of sea country where she researches

Our Events, Seminars & News

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Language Party – Darwin Botanic Gardens

Featured project

The Aikuma Project's Language Parties are a fresh and intimate style of gathering that celebrates the sea of languages spoken in our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods. Professor Steven Bird discusses the project and more. 

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Director's message

Welcome to Northern Institute (NI). We were established in 2011 through a partnership between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Northern Territory Government (NTG) 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, 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 NI'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 to support effective decision making. 

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

Professor Kim Humphery standing on a Northern Institute staircase

Professor Kim Humphery
Director, Northern Institute

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

We are committed and aligned with seven UN Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (3); Quality Education (4); Gender Equity (5); Reduced Inequalities (10); Sustainable Cities and Communities (11); Responsible Production and Consumption (12); Climate Action (13); Life Below Water (14). 

Northern Institute Events

News

  • NT Pathways to Politics for Women graduate Asta Hill is running in the upcoming NT general election.

    Politics program empowers women to stand for NT election

    A program run by Charles Darwin University to upskill women to pursue a career in politics has reached a significant milestone, with three graduates running for the upcoming Northern Territory general election. 

    Read more
  • Dr Tracy Woodroffe

    New study finds there needs to be clearer career pathways to get First Nations teachers in schools

    A Charles Darwin University (CDU) researcher has found there needs to be more clarity and communication about possible pathways into teaching to increase the number of First Nations teachers in the Northern Territory. 

    Read more
  • The simulation was developed by members of Charles Darwin University’s Northern Institute alongside the Indigenous Desert Alliance.

    Desert fire simulation a gamechanger for education and engagement

    A new simulation game is helping indigenous rangers, landowners, children and more to learn about fire behaviour and how they can mitigate the increasing threat of infernos. 

    Read more
Larrakia Nation Logo Crocodile

Northern Institute acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country on which we live and work and recognises their continuing connection to communities, land and waters. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and elders past and present. Our Research Support Services is located on beautiful Larrakia Land at CDU Casuarina Campus. Find out more about Larrakia Nation (Saltwater People)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website & linked publications and content may contain images, voices, names of deceased people. 

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