Pat Anderson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researcher Award

Lowitja Institute celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and excellence throughout our work. As Australia’s national community controlled health and wellbeing research institute, the biennial conference awards recognise outstanding contributions to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research. These awards showcase research that is culturally, ethically, and intellectually rigorous and for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

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. 

Pat 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 2025, the award was given to Associate Professor Graham Gee from Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Dr Ali Drummond from the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM).

The success awardee will receive: 

• $5,000 towards professional development
• One full registration to Lowitja Institute's 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference from 8 - 10 June 2027 in Garramilla (Darwin), including travel and accommodation. Please note, applicants should be available to attend the Awards Ceremony at the Conference Gala Dinner. 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher with a minimum three years research experience.
• Has made significant contribution to support, influence and/or advise projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, locally and nationally. This could include a researcher who works in: 
  • project management, research support, governance, cultural mentoring and/or advising
  • basic science, medicine, epidemiology, public health, social health and/or community health. 
• The primary focus of the research is for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, in line with Lowitja Institute's research agenda themes. 
• The researcher has demonstrated community involvement, leadership and capacity building through their research.

• The application must be completed in full with all required supporting documentation collated and attached at submission. 
• Applicants are to provide at least one letter of support, with the referee also including brief comments against the selection criteria. 
• The referee must identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person or community member. 
• An applicant biography (approximately 200 words) must be included, noting this will be used on promotional materials and at the award ceremony if selected. 
• Applicants must upload a headshot, noting this is the image that will be used on promotional materials and at the award ceremony if selected.
• Applications to be submitted via Smartygrants by Friday 16 October 2026, 11:59pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 

• Please note:
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their full application has been submitted correctly via SmartyGrants. Applicants will receive notification from SmartyGrants acknowledging submission of their application. 
  • Lowitja Institute does not accept any liability if an application is not received (in full) by the due date. 
  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.