Research Protocols and Resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities each have their own established values and protocols and their own unique ways of expressing their different values. These are based on the principles of Indigenous self-determination; Indigenous leadership; Impact and value; Sustainability and accountability.
Any research done without the proper ethics approvals at UWA is a breach of the UWA Integrity Policy and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and could be found to be research misconduct, with serious consequences.
If you are unsure whether your research requires ethics approval, please contact the HREO team: [email protected]
Researchers who wish to undertake research that concerns or affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, societies, culture, knowledge, experience, policies, lands or waters will need to consider the following resources and protocols.
AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
The AIATSIS Code outlines the principles that underpin ethical Australian Indigenous research and sets national standards for the ethical and responsible conduct of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, across all disciplines and methodologies. It is for use by those undertaking research, reviewing research or funding research, including individuals, universities, governments, industry and community organisations.
Researchers must apply the AIATSIS Code of Ethics to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Research and this must be assessed by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This includes planning, collection, analysis and dissemination of information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about and may affect Indigenous peoples both collectively and individually, regardless of whether that Research intends to directly involve human participants or not.
A Guide to applying The AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
This guide provides advice for researchers in applying the principles in the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (the AIATSIS Code of Ethics or this Code). It is also useful for ethics review bodies to identify practical ways in which the principles should be evident in project design.
Researchers must apply the AIATSIS Code of Ethics to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Research and this must be assessed by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This includes planning, collection, analysis and dissemination of information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about and may affect Indigenous peoples both collectively and individually, regardless of whether that Research intends to directly involve human participants or not.
Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders
Developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the ethics guidelines provide a set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality, of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities and of benefit to research.
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/resources/ethical-conduct-research-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-and-communities
Our Knowledge our way: in caring for Country
Our Knowledge Our Way in caring for Country: Indigenous-led approaches to strengthening and sharing our knowledge for land and sea management. Based on 23 Australian case studies, these Best Practice Guidelines support learning about good ways of using Indigenous knowledge to look after land and sea Country.
Collaborative Science on Kimberley Saltwater Country - A Guide for Researchers
Researchers interested in undertaking natural or cultural resource management research with Kimberley Saltwater groups are required to follow the protocols outlined in the Collaborative Science on Kimberley Saltwater Country Guide. The protocols provide consistency to researchers embarking on Kimberley coastal or marine research projects.
Keeping research on track II
Keeping research on track II is a companion guideline that provides advice on how the values and principles outlined within the Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders can be put into practice in research.
