CQUniversity’s inaugural Guwal Jilbay – Yarning Research Conference will officially open in Rockhampton today, 16 July.
The three-day forum aims to further develop the research skills and capabilities of First Nations research students and their supervisors with a specific focus on students at regional universities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research students and supervisors from across the country will be in attendance, with the overall conference set to focus on First Nations self-determination, community, and solidarities.
Keynote presentations will be delivered by Professor Ray Mahoney, CSIRO, Dr Melinda Mann, CQU, and a range of panel experts, including First Nations community capacity builders, Indigenous research experts and International Indigenous scholars.
CQUniversity will also launch its first-ever First Nations Research Strategy during the Conference.
The Guwal Jilbay Yarning Research Conference 2024 is sponsored by CSIRO (Gold Sponsor), Manna Institute (Silver Sponsor), UniSuper (Bronze Sponsor) and acknowledges the generous donation of the Morris Family Foundation.
- When:
Tuesday, 16 July
- Where:
Darumbal Country, CQUniversity Rockhampton North Campus, Building 6, Room G.03
Months in the making
“I’m thrilled that CQUniversity will be hosting this conference that will be the first of its kind for this country,” CQUniversity Deputy Vice-President of Indigenous Engagement Professor Adrian Miller told EducationDaily.
“The conference will aim to address the isolation that regional and rural First Nations research students and their supervisors experience, by promoting their research successes and providing an opportunity to connect, learn and network with leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.”
Miller says “we know that many Indigenous researchers from rural and remote areas face unique challenges and are often called upon by their home communities to address seemingly impossible issues”.
“Guwal Jilbay Yarning Research is here to show you you’re not alone on the journey. By connecting with others, students can benefit from the strengths and wisdom of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being,” he told EducationDaily.
“We hope that participants will be inspired and walk away with new skills, stronger goals, larger networks and collaboration opportunities, plus some professional development and a fresh passion for their research project.”
He says CQUniversity is “well-placed and equipped to highlight the unique voice and impact of regional and rural research communities”.
“With the creation and ongoing success of the Jilbay First Nations RHD Academy, we are best placed to lead the charge in increasing retention and completions of First Nations RHD students and inspire other universities to support similar programs to assist students to succeed in a culturally safe space,” Miller told EducationDaily.
“My hope is that the success of this event will lead to an annual conference.”
