Lowitja Institute Awards: nominations now open
We are now calling for nominations for our biennial conference awards recognise outstanding contributions to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research. They showcase research that is culturally, ethically, and intellectually rigorous and for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
The 2025 Lowitja Institute Awards will be presented at our 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, taking place on Kaurna Country, South Australia, from 16-19 June 2025.
Click on the links below to nominate:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Leadership Award
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Award
- Pat Anderson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researcher Awards
- Tarrn-doon-nonin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Project Award
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Leadership Award
This award recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research leadership and excellence by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher who has made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Peoples. In 2023, this award was given to Professor Jaquelyne Hughes and Professor James Ward.
The successful awardee will receive:
- $5,000 towards professional development
- one full registration to Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, including travel and accommodation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Award
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Award aims to recognise an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who has, or is, finishing their studies with a Masters (by research) or PhD postgraduate degree within the nominated timeframe. In 2023, this award was given to Dr Amy McQuire.
The successful awardee will receive:
- $5,000 towards professional development
- one full registration to Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, including travel and accommodation.
Pat Anderson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researcher Award
This award is named after internationally respected health leader Pat Anderson AO, who was instrumental in the organisation’s establishment and its development as Australia’s renowned national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute.
Dr Anderson AO, an Alyawarre woman and powerful advocate for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and First Peoples globally, is Lowitja Institute’s co-patron alongside the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG and former chairperson after nearly 20 years in the role. This award recognises emerging leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research both inside and outside of the academy. In 2023, this award was given to Betti Sagigi from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service and Associate Professor Odette Pearson from The University of Adelaide.
The successful awardee will receive:
- $5,000 towards professional development
- one full registration to Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, including travel and accommodation.
Tarrn-doon-nonin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Project Award
Tarrn-doon-nonin is the Woiwurrung term meaning ‘trust’. This award recognises a research project in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing that has conducted their research to an exemplary standard in line with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical principles and practices. In 2023, the award was given to Wungening Aboriginal Corporation.
The winner will receive:
- $10,000 project grant to be administered by Lowitja Institute. The grant is available for furthering successful project and research activities such as knowledge translation, community capacity building and resourcing further emerging research as a result of the project.
- Two full registrations to Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, including travel and accommodation for two project representatives.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lowitja Institute Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as nominated by the Lowitja Institute Board of Directors. In 2023, the winners were Dr Pat Anderson AO and Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney.
The successful awardee will receive one full registration to Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025, including travel and accommodation.
This award is chosen by the Lowitja Institute Board.
