Alternative Medicines From Medicinal Plants Of Aboriginal People Of Northern New South Wales
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,400.00
Summary
This research will conserve customary Australian Aboriginal knowledge of historical and cultural significance and apply this knowledge to the discovery of new evidence-based alternative medicines that may help address the growing need for new antimicrobial treatments. It will also be a model for collaboration between Australian Aboriginal communities and research scientists. The customary (traditional and contemporary) knowledge of medicinal plants possessed by Indigenous peoples is a significan ....This research will conserve customary Australian Aboriginal knowledge of historical and cultural significance and apply this knowledge to the discovery of new evidence-based alternative medicines that may help address the growing need for new antimicrobial treatments. It will also be a model for collaboration between Australian Aboriginal communities and research scientists. The customary (traditional and contemporary) knowledge of medicinal plants possessed by Indigenous peoples is a significant medicinal resource, as seen by the reliance on customary medicines by ~80% of the population in developing countries as their primary healthcare. There has been a renewed interest in customary medicines, especially with the increase in microbial resistance and emergence of new diseases, side effects of single compound medications and high cost of drug development. Australian Aboriginal people have a vast medicinal plant knowledge based on thousands of years of using plants as medicines. This especially includes topical use for conditions indicative of microbial infections. Despite their potential, relatively few studies have been conducted on Australian Aboriginal medicines to provide evidence for their use. For Northern New South Wales (NNSW) Aboriginal communities, as is the case for many other Australian Aboriginal communities, this customary knowledge is rapidly disappearing, especially due to premature deaths of the elder custodians of this knowledge. The overall aims of this project are to work in partnership with the NNSW Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council and Ulgundahi Elders Aboriginal Corporation to i) document and preserve first hand customary medicinal plant knowledge; ii) identify plants of significant medicinal potential in treating antibacterial and antifungal infections; iii) evaluate their effectiveness using in vitro and in vivo biological assays; and iv) identify the major bioactive components responsible for their medicinal properties.Read moreRead less
Investigation Of Australian And Papua New Guinean Traditional Medicines For Drug Discovery And Cultural Preservation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,751.00
Summary
This project addresses the growing need for new antimicrobial agents by utilising the traditional medicinal floral knowledge of indigenous communities of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Discoveries from the biological and chemical investigations of traditional medicines used by these communities for treatment of microbial infections will indicate their potential to be used as clinical agents. Benefit sharing and capability building opportunities for the communities involved will also be key outc ....This project addresses the growing need for new antimicrobial agents by utilising the traditional medicinal floral knowledge of indigenous communities of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Discoveries from the biological and chemical investigations of traditional medicines used by these communities for treatment of microbial infections will indicate their potential to be used as clinical agents. Benefit sharing and capability building opportunities for the communities involved will also be key outcomes.Read moreRead less
Downsizing proteins to equipotent small molecules that activate cells. The project aims to downsize large, expensive, naturally occurring proteins to small, cheap, synthetic organic compounds engineered to have the same functions. If the methods are generally applicable for different proteins, they could be used to create new pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, flavours, perfumes, catalysts and industrial materials.
Exploring Knowledge Translation In Indigenous Primary Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$93,741.00
Summary
New knowledge is needed about how to implement effective interventions and strengthen Indigenous primary health care systems. This study will explore how new knowledge gets implemented (or doesnÍt), for whom, and under what circumstances in Indigenous primary health care contexts. It will be the first study to look at how evidence, context and facilitation elements influence the implementation of research into Indigenous primary health care practice and policy.
Escaping Bio-Assay Guided Isolation: Nature's Tools for Chemical Biology. The project aims to transform the approach to identify novel biologically active compounds that occur in nature. For decades, natural product chemistry has centred on bio-assay guided isolation, but it has become increasingly difficult to isolate novel compounds. While de-replication strategies detect the presence of known compounds using databases, more impact would be achieved by directly detecting novel compounds. Nucle ....Escaping Bio-Assay Guided Isolation: Nature's Tools for Chemical Biology. The project aims to transform the approach to identify novel biologically active compounds that occur in nature. For decades, natural product chemistry has centred on bio-assay guided isolation, but it has become increasingly difficult to isolate novel compounds. While de-replication strategies detect the presence of known compounds using databases, more impact would be achieved by directly detecting novel compounds. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy detects every molecule that has a proton and is quantitative. This project plans to develop a NMR technique to escape bio-assay guided isolation by analysing a fraction library. Biotechnology innovation is dependent on novel compounds to provide new products. Replacing ‘grind and find’ with a technique that never lies would be transformational.Read moreRead less
Consultation Pathways For Australian Fishing And Seafood Industry Focused RD&E To Deliver Improved Economic, Environmental And Social Benefits To Australia’s Indigenous People Through The Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) And Indigenous RD&E Program Support
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,659,555.00
Summary
There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment ....There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment of the IRG, significant advancements have been made. However, challenges persist due to the limited capacity of most agencies, researchers, and stakeholders to interact with and engage effectively with the Indigenous sector, thus failing to fully leverage the available opportunities and benefits. The number of Indigenous individuals with the required expertise and interest in participating in this process is on the rise, yet it remains insufficient to meet the identified needs. Addressing this gap is a primary focus for the IRG moving forward, including the advancement of a formal capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the understanding and knowledge of research, management, governance, and agency operations. Opportunities for improvement include: 1. Increasing the number of Indigenous individuals with the expertise and motivation to engage in RD&E and related policy processes: This involves identifying and promoting educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are specifically designed to build the necessary skills and knowledge among Indigenous communities. Such initiatives should be accessible and tailored to the unique cultural and societal contexts of Indigenous people, encouraging their active participation in research, development, and extension activities. As much as possible, opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous organisations and communities in designing these programs can ensure they are relevant and effective. 2. Developing mutual capacity by boosting the understanding and abilities of non-Indigenous stakeholders: This objective focuses on generating a deeper understanding and respect among non-Indigenous stakeholders for Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and practices. Identify sectoral needs for cultural competence training programs and facilitating collaborative projects can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. This approach not only enriches the RD&E process but also ensures that research outcomes are more inclusive and beneficial for all parties involved. 3. Enhancing the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector to meet the needs of Indigenous Australians, researchers, and managers: To enhance the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector, the strategy includes collaborating with Indigenous communities to understand traditional fishing practices and ecological insights using participatory research. A digital repository will be created to store and disseminate this information, designed with user-friendly features and access controls to safeguard intellectual property. This platform will support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into sustainable practices and policy decisions, complemented by educational workshops and policy engagement initiatives. Continuous feedback from Indigenous communities and stakeholders will ensure the platform remains relevant and effective, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable use strategies that recognises Indigenous rights and contributions. 4. Moving research forward to yield actionable outcomes and advice for policymakers: This entails aligning research objectives with the practical needs and priorities of the Indigenous fishing community and policymakers. By focusing on applied research that addresses specific challenges and opportunities within the sector, the findings can directly inform and influence policy and management decisions. Effective communication and adoption strategies are essential to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. 5. Strengthening Indigenous led and codesigned projects at the jurisdictional level by improving the connection between the IRG and Regional Advisory Committees/Industry Partnership Agreements (RAC/IPA): Enhancing collaboration and communication between the IRG, RACs, and IPAs can lead to more coordinated and effective Indigenous-inclusive projects outcomes. This could involve systematic meetings, joint planning sessions, and shared platforms for project management and information exchange. By working closely together, these groups can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve greater all-round impacts on the ground. 6. Adjusting expectations to clarify that the IRG is not the sole source of support for all Indigenous-related issues within the industry by creating processes to broaden networks and engagement: This involves actively promoting the development of a broader ecosystem of support for Indigenous issues in the fishing and seafood sectors. The IRG can facilitate the creation of partnerships, alliances, and networks that include a diverse range of stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, and industry groups. By diversifying the sources of support and engagement, the reliance on the IRG as the sole conduit can be reduced, leading to a more robust and resilient support system for Indigenous fisheries. The IRG stands out from other programs by offering services that span several additional areas. One of its goals is to alter the current dependence as the only recognised channel for Indigenous fisheries advice.
Objectives: 1. Work with Indigenous peoples and other fisheries resource stakeholders, to facilitate the identification of Indigenous RD&E priorities annually and develop projects to address those priorities. 2. Assist FRDC with management of the Indigenous RD&E program and the portfolio of projects with significant benefit to, or impact on, the Indigenous fishing sector. 3. Develop and implement a fit for purpose communication plan to effectively communicate research results and share knowledge with Indigenous communities, organisations, groups or individuals. 4. Encourage coordination and co-investment in RD&E which benefits the Indigenous fishing community. 5. To provide advice, where appropriate, through the FRDC to researchers regarding how their projects might be improved to consider benefits for Indigenous people, cultural importance, or suggest consultation and communication protocols for working with Indigenous communities. 6. Assist FRDC to explore opportunities for Indigenous engagement, employment, skills transfer, sharing of knowledge and the increase of cultural awareness amongst all parties. Read moreRead less
Assessing The Effectiveness Of IRG R&D Projects To Deliver Change
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$147,938.00
Summary
Within each IRG project there is always an attempt to address multiple IRG Priorities, particularly a capacity building component. However, what is often missing is an understanding of what impact the project has had and how the capacity building component from each project has led to any discernible change from a participant’s perspective. The IRG through the FRDC have funded two recent projects that were both designed to lead to an up-skilling, and hopefully a call to action in addressing Ind ....Within each IRG project there is always an attempt to address multiple IRG Priorities, particularly a capacity building component. However, what is often missing is an understanding of what impact the project has had and how the capacity building component from each project has led to any discernible change from a participant’s perspective. The IRG through the FRDC have funded two recent projects that were both designed to lead to an up-skilling, and hopefully a call to action in addressing Indigenous participation in fisheries areas. This project seeks to better understand the impacts these projects have made in these areas from the perspective of the project participants. Researchers will collate the experiences of participants through semi-structured interviews and develop resources suitable to communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
Objectives: 1. To undertake a series of semi-structured interviews with participants of two previous FRDC IRG projects 2. To document and collate the experiences of participants from two FRDC IRG projects 3. To develop resources suitable to communicate findings of this project to stakeholders 4. To provide professional capacity building for Indigenous student in project management and research Read moreRead less
The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in e ....The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in environmental contexts, and bolster the advancement of First Nations-led initiatives.
While Australia currently has national peak bodies representing the seafood industry, recreational fishers, and environmental interests in sea country, there is currently no representation for First Nations. This Conference aims to potentially lay the groundwork for establishing a First Nations Peak Body that represents interests in sea country-related matters. In doing so, it is intended that this conference provides guidance for consistency in recognition of Native Title rights between States/Territory/Federal governments.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a future where First Nations governance models, traditional knowledge, and leadership are central to shaping Australia's marine environment. Read moreRead less