Our Research

Our research work is focused on ways to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We are committed to strengthening the capacity of all researchers and research students to make such contributions. For more information regarding our supervision of Indigenous research and higher degree researchers, click to read our open access chapter.

Supervision of Indigenous Research and Higher Degree Researchers

Australian Council of Graduate Research talk with JCU's Indigenous Education and Research Centre

In this webinar discussion, experienced JCU advisors of Indigenous research students and projects share insights on enhancing both student and advisor capabilities. Professor Martin Nakata (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Education & Strategy), Associate Professor Sana Nakata (Head of Research, IERC), and Dr Ailie McDowall (Senior Lecturer and HDR Convenor, IERC) also highlight how the IERC is supporting Indigenous higher degree researchers.

Research Highlight

Mer (Murray Island) looking over Waier and Dauar

Image: Mer (Murray Island) looking out towards Waier and Dauar



Thinking about starting a research higher degree?

Find out more about the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous)

For further research opportunities, contact the JCU Graduate Research School for research and funding opportunities, research advisors, and candidature enrolment and management.


Meet our Higher Degree by Research Advisors

Our advisors have expertise in a wide range of fields within and beyond Indigenous Studies. These include: Indigenous law, politics and policy; public health; social work and public health; Indigenous childhoods; Indigenous education and students, Indigenous curriculum and higher education; political theory, including comparative political theory, the cultural interfacecommunities of practice and knowledge translation.


Research Projects

See our list of current, completed and new research project submissions below. Contact the lead researcher to find out more about these projects.


PhD Candidate Opportunities

If you are interested in being part of exciting research projects, check out the list of available PhD Candidate Opportunities currently open with the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP).