$11 million awarded under the ARC’s Discovery Indigenous scheme

19 September 2024 

$11 million awarded under the ARC’s Discovery Indigenous scheme

Today, the Australian Research Council (ARC) announced funding of $11 million for 11 research projects through the ARC Discovery Indigenous scheme.

The ARC Discovery Indigenous scheme supports research programs led by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander researchers and builds the research capacity of higher degree research students and early career researchers.

“The ARC provides vital support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and research students through the ARC Discovery Indigenous scheme,” Acting ARC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Johnson said. 

“The scheme has funded significant and impactful research for the social, economic and cultural benefit of the Australian community, and this year’s projects will continue to deliver on these important scheme objectives.”

Ways to attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the disability service workforce, improve social and emotional wellbeing through examining the contribution of the arts, and draw lessons from how Torres Strait Islanders have navigated change to better inform governments, are some of the projects awarded under the ARC Discovery Indigenous scheme. 

Awarded Discovery Indigenous grants include:   

Dr Jared Miles, The University of Queensland ($149,386): aims to be a world-first project to investigate the ways Indigenous Australians metabolise nicotine over pregnancy, creating knowledge that can better inform health policies supporting Indigenous mothers at risk of high rates of smoking. 

Dr Jack Pascoe, The University of Melbourne ($858,790): will embed Traditional Ecological Knowledge and cultural values into the management of Maar Country. The project seeks to improve existing ecosystem management tools by incorporating the expertise of Traditional Custodians.

Dr Jessica Harris, Griffith University ($326,784): seeks to reduce the high rates of youth sexual violence and abuse in Indigenous populations, focusing on local needs and promoting shared responsibility and awareness. The co-design findings will be translated into Indigenous pilot programs for positive outcomes in communities, such as better understanding of safe and respectful relationships.   

For a full list of funded projects, please view the grant announcement kit: Discovery Indigenous 2025 | Australian Research Council 

More information about the ARC’s Discovery Indigenous scheme is available on the ARC website.