Strengths-based approach to First Nations diabetes care
Published on: 27 October 2023
Research that supports positive outcomes for Australia’s First Nations people
The First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program conducts innovative, community-driven, mixed-methods research that supports and empowers Australia’s First Nations people to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. We work through two research streams: cancer and wellbeing.
Our goal is to make a substantial and meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We work with First Nations peoples, families, and communities, and the health services that support them.
The First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program is an Aboriginal-led, multidisciplinary program focused on making a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We bring together national and international collaborators to actively promote the translation of research knowledge into public health policy and practice. We use research methods that are culturally sensitive, appropriate, and grounded in principles of co-design.
Our work is supported through major competitive grant funding, including NHMRC, MRFF, and ARC grants. We also conduct targeted research consultancies.
The team is led by Professor Gail Garvey, a Kamilaroi woman who was among the first researchers to recognise the substantial impact of cancer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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The First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program artwork
The FNCWR Program artwork is designed to represent our work and our connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It tells a story of community connection, co-design, strength, and resilience.
The artwork was developed through consultation with FNCWR Program staff.
The five hands represent our multicultural team of researchers and support staff. Each hand shows the circle icon of meeting places, to represent the places where researchers and the community connect to develop research that creates positive change.
Dots within these meeting places represent the people who sit together to yarn and learn from each other. The background thatching represents strength and resilience – both within the FNCWR Program and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The icons of people represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who work in the FNCWR Program. These icons are designed to inspire our First Nations staff to recognise their important place in the FNCWR Program and, through the artwork, tell their own story.
The largest circle represents community, and the blue circles and paths within the community icon represent the road travelled by staff as they work with different communities. The red line enclosing the artwork represents the blood-lines between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Artist: Craig Carson, Wakka Wakka/Cobble Cobble, Senior Community Engagement Officer, UQ FNCWR Program
The vision of the First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research (FNCWR) Program is innovative and community-driven research that supports and empowers Australia’s First Nations people and communities to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
The FNCWR Program brings together national and international collaborators to actively promote the translation of research knowledge into public health policy and practice.
Our Team
Students
Affiliates
Our current vacancies are listed on the UQ careers page.
If you’re interested in an academic career, we can offer a PhD or Masters scholarship partnered with an appropriate academic or professional position, which will enable you to study while you work.
The First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program conducts innovative, community-driven, mixed-methods research that supports and empowers Australia’s First Nations people to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Our research employs the principles and practices of co-design.
Our focus areas are cross-disciplinary, and include:
- Cancer prevention and early detection
- Reducing the impact of multi-morbidities for people with cancer
- Wellbeing across the life course
- Health services research and innovation
- Cancer survivorship
- Psychosocial care across the cancer care continuum
Our work is guided by the key principles of:
- Self-determination and leadership
- Connection and collaboration
- Meaningful change
- Equity-focused research
- Indigenist research methods
- Developing future research leaders
