NOTE: These goals and strategies are currently under review.

Goal

To develop a research program in Aboriginal health that contributes to long-term improvements in Aboriginal health. This thematically organised program of research addresses research priorities identified by Aboriginal people and organisations and other stakeholders in Aboriginal health policy and practice. The outcomes of this research program will inform the development of Aboriginal health policy and health service delivery and the education of health practitioners.

Principles

• Developing the skills capacity and leadership of Aboriginal people and community organisations and affirming Aboriginal knowledge, values and processes.
• A focus on research priorities identified by Aboriginal communities and stakeholders in Indigenous health policy and practice.
• A theoretical and methodological foundation based on the application of the health social sciences to population health research.
• A balance between research that has a local (Victorian focus) with national and international research.
• A research practice based on Aboriginal community development principles.
• Research that is ethical, innovative and rigorous, respecting social and cultural diversity.
• A commitment to collaborative research practice.
  

Processes

The Onemda research program will be implemented taking into account:

• Aboriginal community and stakeholder input from the Onemda planning cycle.
• The identification of research advisors for each research theme.
• The development of effective communication strategies.
• Collaboration with the CRCAH to enhance the uptake of research outcomes into practice.

Strategies

1. Develop the capacity of Onemda in research by:

• Making new research appointments and promoting Aboriginal leadership in research.
• Implementing a research higher degree program in Aboriginal health.
• Collaborating with the Cooperative Research Centre in Aboriginal Health (CRCAH) and the University of Melbourne Indigenous Studies Program Summer School in supporting Aboriginal people to undertake research higher degrees.

2. Strengthen Onemda collaborations in Aboriginal health research by:

• Implementing a researcher-in-residence program where Onemda research staff undertake placements in Aboriginal community organisations.
• Identify opportunities for international collaborations in Aboriginal health research.
• Identifying opportunities for policy exchange in Aboriginal health research.
• Having input into the research program developed by the CRCAH.

3. Strengthen the dissemination of Onemda’s research by:

• Appointing a coordinator for the Onemda communications and publications strategy.
• Reviewing the content, design and distribution of Onemda publications.
• Reviewing the Onemda administrative database.
• Maintaining, promoting and further developing the Onemda website.
• Maintaining informal communication with Aboriginal people and communities.
• Continuing to produce the tri-annual Onemda newsletter, Talkin’ Strong.

4. Integrate the principles of Aboriginal community development within Onemda research by:

• Promoting and supporting Aboriginal methodologies, capacity building and leadership in research, as well as Aboriginal initiated (and led) research.
• Collaborating with community organisations, such as VACCHO, on strengthening the capacity of Aboriginal people, and their community organisations, in research.
• Collaborating with community organisations, such as VACCHO, and university programs, such as the Academy of Sports Health Education, in developing for Aboriginal people Vocational Education and Training (VET) accredited programs and pathways from the VET sector into higher education.