About us
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Recognising and sharing Indigenous knowledge
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne
works to recognise the expertise of Indigenous knowledge holders, and the knowledge systems in which they are a part.
We aim to advance Indigenous knowledge research, build connections and develop engagement opportunities with Indigenous knowledge holders across Australia and throughout the world.
Delivering research, funding and post-graduate study.
We advance Indigenous knowledge through:
- Research , across disciplines, working directly with Indigenous knowledge holders.
- Funding and grants supporting original research, and targeted scholarships and bursaries.
- Post-graduate study in our unique PhD program, explicitly designed to recognise Indigenous knowledge as its own interdisciplinary subject area.
Exploring country, culture, health, justice, and beyond.
Our research is focused around three themes:
1. Healthy Country
2. Culture & Heritage
3. Health & Justice.
But our work extends further. Through our funding, grants, scholarships and bursaries, we directly support Indigenous knowledge holders, in Australia and overseas, working in any theme or field. Our focus is supporting projects advancing Indigenous knowledge and creating lasting community benefits.
Creating connection since inauguration in 2020.
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute was announced by Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell at the Garma Festival in August 2019 and launched in December 2020. It supports the university’s Indigenous Strategy 2023-2027 and extends research and education already underway at the University of Melbourne.
It is one of the university's five Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. These institutes have a key role in connecting university researchers across disciplines and in engaging external organisations and the broader community.
Artwork across our website by Kinya Lerrk.
We would like to acknowledge the artwork by Kinya Lerrk, featured across the pages of this website. Wemba Wemba for ‘women coming together’, Kinya Lerrk is the collaboration of aboriginal visual artists Emma Bamblett (Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung) and Megan Van Den Berg (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Boon Wurrung). Their collaboration uses design and art to make homes and offices come alive, with colourful works that celebrate Aboriginal culture and respectfully acknowledge traditional owners of land.