Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Leadership 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 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 2025, the award was given to Associate Professor Lisa Whop.

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. 
• Has undertaken nationally and/or internationally recognised research for the health and wellbeing benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
• Significantly enhanced and promoted ethical leadership and excellence within the Indigenous community, nationally and/or internationally. 

• 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.