The Indigenous Knowledge Institute supports next generation of leaders
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute is pleased to announce the recipients of our PhD scholarships and bursaries.
Up to three Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are available each year to non-Indigenous University of Melbourne PhD candidates who are writing on a topic related to Indigenous knowledge. The RTP scholarships provide an annual stipend for living and study expenses.
All Indigenous PhD students at the University of Melbourne are guaranteed to receive an RTP Scholarship. The Institute is committed to developing the next generation of Indigenous researchers and each year offers two additional $15,000 bursaries (paid over three years) to Indigenous PhD students.
Bursaries
The Institute awarded bursaries to two Indigenous PhD students this year to provide extra support beyond the RTP scholarships they already receive. The students join a strong cohort of Indigenous researchers at the University.
Caroline Williams
Caroline is a Yamatji woman who is researching traditional Aboriginal and alternative medicines.
“Indigenous knowledge research by Aboriginal people is not just an empowering step towards self-determination for communities but also it can create opportunities for new perspectives in policy decision making.
“My research is the study of complementary medicine, traditional Aboriginal remedies, and other holistic natural therapy use in modern day healing with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community attitudes of complementary and alternative medicine use. I chose to write on this area because good health requires a holistic approach taking into account mind, body, and spirit, and with high chronic disease levels within society today we need to look at ways to experience deeper levels of wellness and enjoy healthier ways of living.”
Josh Cubillo
Josh is a Larrakia, Wadjigan, and Central Arrente man. Josh is completing his PhD in Education on the topic of On-Country learning.
“For me, Indigenous knowledges are important in education because they help all students and educators to gain an appreciation for the places they inhabit through an Indigenous lens. Indigenous knowledges and concepts of Country are important for sustainability efforts, understanding our history, embedding ourselves in the local community as well as attending to issues of colonialism, Indigenous rights, and sovereignty.
“The bursary will support my efforts to collect data, particularly the formation of a Traditional Owners reference group.”
RTP Scholarships
Two students received our RTP scholarships, joining a growing field of researchers focused on Indigenous knowledge.
Claire Dixon
Claire will be looking at embedding Indigenous knowledge in engineering education to drive sustainable practices.
“I’m coming to this research following over 15 years of career experience in the global infrastructure sector, grounded in themes of sustainability, innovation, and education. Over recent years, as part of my personal reconciliation action, I’ve been learning about traditional knowledge systems and worldviews. I’ve become increasingly interested in the potential for such systems of thinking to help address the global environmental crisis. I’m particularly interested in how we might embed Indigenous knowledge systems into curricula in Australian engineering education.
“I’m looking forward to connecting and collaborating with an interdisciplinary community of practitioners dedicated to Indigenous knowledge education and research.
“As a non-Indigenous person, doing research in this space will require deep self-reflection to recognise my own cultural background and lived experience, and how they have influenced my values and beliefs, as well as associated assumptions and biases. This scholarship means that I can immerse myself in this important research, taking particular care in designing and conducting my research and developing the outputs such that they are inclusive, respectful, and contribute to positive social impact.”
Sarah Stoller
Sarah will be researching public servants’ perceptions of Indigenous values and the impact of these on policy design.
“For the past 5 years, I have worked at Weenthunga Health Network, an Indigenous-led organisation underpinned by two-way working and collaboration. I spent several years in the NT working with Aboriginal-controlled organisations. Working for Indigenous-led organisations has given me an opportunity to experience systems where Indigenous knowledge is preferenced. My work for the Victorian and NT governments gave me an insight into government policy making. My research aims to highlight the need to de-colonise Indigenous policy making and engage with diverse Indigenous knowledge systems in policy co-design.
“As a Settler Australian, I am aware of the importance of deep listening and not being yet another voice purporting to speak for Indigenous peoples. I am grateful for the scholarship which will allow me to continue my learning journey with cultural humility. Further, I will benefit from access to an interdisciplinary community of scholarship and ideas fostered by the Institute.”
Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients.
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Find out more about PhD scholarships offered by the Indigenous Knowledge Institute on our website.
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