Tarrn-doon-nonin Health Research Project 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.

Tarrn-doon-nonin is the Woiwurrung term for 'trust'. 

The Tarrn-doon-nonin award recognises a research project in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing that was conducted 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 success awardee 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 (Kaurna Country, Adelaide, 16-19 June 2025), including travel and accommodation.

Please note, applicants should be available to attend the Awards Ceremony at the conference Gala Dinner. 

• The research project has been conducted by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisation or community group. 
• The projects active research and finding phases are close to completion or were completing within the last two years.

• 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. 
• Upload headshot of applicant, noting this is the image that will be used on promotional materials and at the award ceremony if selected. 
• Organisation summary (approximately 200 words), noting this will be used on promotional materials and at the award ceremony if selected. 
• Applications to be submitted: 
  • via SmartyGrants 
  • before Friday 21 March 2025, 11:59pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 
• It is the applicants responsibility to ensure their full application has been submitted correctly via SmartyGrants. You will receive notification of your submission from SmartyGrants acknowledging submission of your 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.