About

Knowledge Translation (KT) involves bridging the gaps between research knowledge and research application or practice, by sharing this knowledge with end-users including the participants of the research, academics, and policy-makers. KT is increasingly being used in research with Indigenous peoples globally to address the top-down and inappropriate research approaches commonly used in Indigenous research. However, employing KT in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research contexts in Australia is an emergent field, and definitions, methods, practices and frameworks for KT in this population have not yet been developed.

This PhD, under an Indigenous research methodology and following Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance principles, privileges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews to develop KT tools (definitions, methods, practices and frameworks) specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research contexts.

This PhD will benefit researchers by demonstrating ways of appropriately translating research findings to end-users, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, researchers and policy makers. The PhD is embedded within and will inform the KT tools for Mayi Kuwayu: the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing.

Bio

Makayla is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Cootamundra, who lives, works and studies on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country. After graduating from Psychology Honours from the ANU in 2019, she worked as a research assistant in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program in the Mayi Kuwayu Study. Makayla is passionate about holistic health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.