OCHRe (Our Collaborations in Health Research): A national network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers
OCHRe is one of the largest cohorts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers ever assembled in Australia. Its goal is to support and develop the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research leaders and improve the health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Funding:
The network is funded by the NHMRC and is co-led by Gail Garvey (The University of Queensland), Alex Brown (Australian National University), Paul Stewart (Lowitja Institute) and Sandra Eades AO (The University of Melbourne).
Aims:
OCHRe’s collective vision is the establishment of a culturally secure and inclusive network of Indigenous researchers across Australia and sovereign Indigenous Nations, that builds unique skills at the interface of culture, science, and health research and translates to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. It is fundamental that the foundations of the network are embedded in our cultural roots (or ancestry).
Our use of OCHRe is symbolic of our diverse and valuable knowledges (our ways of knowing, being and doing) that have been passed on through the generations for over 60,000 years. The development and achievements of the network need to amplify our Indigenous knowledges and be handed onto future generations, across Australia, through a strong and sustainable OCHRe National Network.
OCHRe is focused on the following key outcomes:
- Culturally appropriate governance
- A Health and Wellbeing Impact Framework
- Growth and sustainability
- A research capability program that strives for excellence in two worlds
- Excellence in community engagement
- Connectedness
- Culturally safe research ecosystem
- The next generation of Indigenous leaders.
Update:
With the addition of our Operations Manager, Ashlee Cerchi, we are excited to continue to grow our network from the current 561 members and 92 Invesitgators, and continue to offer valuable information, scholarships and connections to all our members.
Find our more about this Network and become a member via our dedicated website: ochrenetwork.org
OCHRe Network Webinars
Microcredentialing and what it means for you
Leadership in First Nations Health Research
This webinar focuses on capacity building for the next generation of researchers and includes sessions on critically reviewing for the MJA and how to write a good NHMRC grant.
Our Artwork
Style: The style of the artwork conveys the many different layers of networks coming from all nations/language groups. Originated from four networks,
to become a ‘network of networks’ that connects researchers across Australia and internationally.
Imagery: The logo and art use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander symbols / artwork from diverse nations/language groups that reflect coming together and connecting through healing and songlines through Dreaming, meeting places, animal tracks, the earth, waterholes.
Colours: A mix of OCHRe colours (earthy tones) incorporating the Torres Strait Islander blue and green as well. Overall, the colours represent the diversity of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.