MDHS Indigenous Conference

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MDHS Indigenous Professional Development Symposium 2026

Join us for the MDHS Indigenous Professional Development Symposium, 11 August 2026 at The Woodward.

This year’s program features keynote presentations from Luke Pearson (IndigenousX) on closing the research loop and communicating research effectively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, alongside a thought-provoking session exploring Indigenous ethics and artificial intelligence.

The day will also include a panel discussion on career progression in academia, bringing together Indigenous leaders and professionals to share their experiences, insights and advice.

We invite you to stay for the afternoon celebration and awards ceremony as we recognise the achievements and contributions of our Indigenous staff and community before concluding the event.

Date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
Venue: The Woodward, L10, 106/185 Pelham Street, Carlton

Register: free via EventBrite for MDHS Indigenous staff and colleagues working within Indigenous projects. If you have any questions, please email mdhs-indigenous@unimelb.edu.au if you would like to receive an invitation to attend.

Programme at a glance

The conference will combine invited streams, short presentations and interactive sessions.

  • 9:00am- Registration
  • 9:15am - Symposium Welcome, Prof Shawana Andrews
  • 9:45am- Ethics and Artificial Intelligence, Dr Eduardo Oliveira
  • 10:30am - Morning tea
  • 11:00am - The Future Impact of Artificial Intelligence on First Nations Communities: Opportunities and Risks, Dr Kyle Turner
  • 11:45am - Navigating Academic Careers: Insights from Indigenous ResearchersA/Prof Graham Gee, Dr Rachel Joyce..
  • 12:30pm - Lunch
  • 1:30pm - Beyond Publication: Communicating Research Back to CommunityLuke Pearson, IndigenousX
  • 2:45pm - Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health, A/Prof Mitchel Anjou
  • 3:15pm - Afternoon tea and MDHS Indigenous Staff Awards Presentation

Awards — Celebrating Our Successes

The MDHS Indigenous Awards recognise outstanding contributions across the Faculty. Awards will be announced and presented at the conference dinner on 11 August 2026.

Award recipients will receive $1,000 in professional development funding.

Award categories

  • Excellence in Early Career Research
  • Excellence in Research and/or Research Training
  • Professional Staff Excellence Award
  • Excellence in Knowledge Translation
  • Excellence in Education
  • Excellence in Community Engagement and Partnerships
  • Excellence in Supporting Indigenous Outcomes (Allyship Award)

Nomination guidelines

  • One nomination form per category; multiple nominations for a single person or team are permitted.
  • Self-nominations are accepted.
  • The Allyship Award recognises outstanding contribution by non‑Indigenous individuals/teams and must be nominated by an Indigenous person.
  • Selection considers evidence of impact, contribution to Faculty and community priorities, and alignment with Advancing Health Strategy themes (Place, Community, Education, Discovery, Global).

Nominations are now closed, but we look forward to celebrating our winners at the MDHS Indigenous Professional Development Symposium Afternoon Tea.

Accessibility, cultural safety and support

The Faculty is committed to ensuring the conference is a culturally safe and accessible space. If you require adjustments to participate fully, including access needs, dietary requirements for the dinner, or guidance on culturally appropriate arrangements, please advise the Indigenous Development team when you register.