Donna Lei Rioli with Colleen Hayward, Head of Kurongkurl Katitjin
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet focuses on knowledge transfer and utilisation, using research evidence on Indigenous health matters to inform policy and practice. It is an innovative web resource that makes knowledge and information on Indigenous health easily accessible to inform practice and policy.
HealthInfoNet undertakes research into various aspects of Indigenous health and disseminates the results of its research mainly via its internet site.
It is a world leader in knowledge translation research which focuses on the utilisation by potential users of pure and applied research results, and also undertakes some primary data collection and analysis.
It communicates with its audience in some novel ways. It uses "yarning places" (online networks also known as 'communities of practice') which allow people with common interests and purposes to share information, knowledge and experiences. It also communicates directly with groups of Indigenous people in workshops devoted to exploring their use of the website.
Its work is undertaken by a team based in Kurongkurl Katitjin, the Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research and is supported by an extensive Australiawide network of honorary consultants and several reference groups.
The HealthInfoNet has achieved considerable recognition for its innovative approaches in generating and sharing of knowledge, including being chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Stockholm Challenge Award, which highlights the benefits of information and communication technology to people and society, and winning the Public Health Association of Australia's inaugural Eberhard Wenzel Online Award.
Research projects and areas of specific expertise include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- Knowledge translation
- Specific disease conditions
- Health of sub-populations
- Environmental health
- Health programs and policies.
Contact
Professor Neil Thomson
Telephone: (61 8) 9370 6062
Email: n.thomson@ecu.edu.au