WEHI has welcomed National Reconciliation Week this year with the seminar “A Journey to Equity and Benefit in Medical Research”, presented by guest speaker Belle Hart.

The event began with an introduction and Acknowledgement of Country by Professor Misty Jenkins AO, laboratory head and proud Gunditjmara woman, speaking about the kind of institutional behaviour that impedes progress towards equitable health outcomes for all Australians.

Prof Jenkins welcomed our special guest speaker, Belle Hart from WEHI’s Bryant Lab and Program Coordinator for Victoria ALIGN (Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics) to talk about the importance of ensuring access to respectful, inclusive and equitable health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including medical research.

Speaking on the need for co-design in research programs, Belle Hart said “If your research affects Australians, it will affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders”.

Genomics – the interdisciplinary field of molecular biology focusing on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes – was the focus for the presentation, and used to explore and demonstrate inclusive medical research and care. The presentation called for us all to break down the walls to conversation to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander needs in health, and the interpersonal and systemic barriers to access and inclusion.

Hart reminded us that “science was used as a weapon during colonisation – it was used to tell us we weren’t as human as everybody else”.

This is an important context when we are thinking about research. “When we talk to communities about science and research, it’s met with a lot of skepticism and apprehension. So, when we conduct our research, we need to lead with an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, and empathy,” Hart said.

Following the seminar, a discussion panel including Prof Jenkins, Olivia Payne, Executive Manager, Research at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and Louise Lyons, Senior Manager, Strategy and Policy, Indigenous Genomics at The Kids Institute – led a conversation about marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri (the Accord) in Victoria.

The Accord aims to improve the ethical standards of health, medical and wellbeing research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, recognising the unique cultures, right to self-determination, and health inequity experienced by First Nations peoples.

WEHI launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan in 2023, building on the institute’s deep commitment to broaden and strengthen reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The institute is invested in taking tangible steps toward reconciliation, taking measurable action in:

• building working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities
• delivering WEHI’s research activities with a more strategic approach to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• demonstrating leadership in the medical research sector.

WEHI has a range of networks and programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students within the institute, including:

• CareerTrackers: Since 2014, WEHI has been hosting students through CareerTrackers, a national non-profit organisation that creates internship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students.
• The recently launched First Nations Staff and Student Network is a peer connection and representative advisory group open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students at WEHI.
• The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program is dedicated to engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students about STEM-related education and employment pathways.
• The institute also provides opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people via the Visiting Indigenous Research Fellowship. The current program – presently open to expressions of interest – focuses on Indigenous genomics and including improving diagnostic outcomes for people with genetic immune disease.

Through these and other measures, WEHI is working to implement meaningful action towards building a reconciled nation.