The South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord 2026–2036

The 2026 refresh of the SA Accord builds on the strong foundations of the inaugural South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord (2014-2025) that has been instrumental in changing the way research is done with Aboriginal communities in South Australia.

It centres Aboriginal leadership, voice and decision-making in all aspects of research. The principles are grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and represent a living expression of self-determination.

The purpose of the South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord is to provide evidence-based and community-informed guidance for health and medical researchers across South Australia who are conducting research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Morey et al., 2023). It is an agreement on foundational principles of research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia. The principles complement international and national human health and medical research ethical guidelines and organisational and community guidance on research.

The Accord Artwork ‘Building on Strong Foundations for Future Generations’ was designed by Kaurna, Kokatha and Narungga Artist Steven Warrior in partnership with Eastern Arrernte Artist Pat Caruso. For more information on the artwork story and about the artists click here.

Principle 1 – Aboriginal Priorities

Research is based on priorities defined by Aboriginal people, communities and organisations.

Principle 2 – Aboriginal Leadership and Involvement 

Aboriginal people, communities and organisations govern and lead research. Aboriginal people are involved in all stages of the research process, including relationship building and engagement, conceptualisation, study design, implementation, interpretation, translation and evaluation.

Principle 3 – Equitable Partnerships 

Recognise and mitigate inherent power imbalances to achieve equitable partnerships and establish respectful relationships, mutual trust, and the ability to work competently across cultures.

Principle 4 – Privileging Indigenous Knowledges 

Respect and prioritise Indigenous knowledge, knowledge systems and the ownership and custodianship of that knowledge in research. Indigenous research methodologies are Indigenous led and non-Indigenous methods and methodological paradigms are sought to be decolonised.

Principle 5 – Communication 

Culturally and community relevant communication is open, appropriately positioned, and respectful across the research process, alongside ongoing, transparent, two-way communication that incorporates a willingness to engage, listen, and learn.

Principle 6 – Reciprocal Benefit 

Research is a fair exchange to prevent benefits disproportionately favoring researchers and institutions. Aboriginal people, communities and organisations gain tangible benefits from research, including for their contributions, time and data.

Principle 7 – Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property

Institutions and individuals respect and uphold the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to maintain, control, protect and develop their knowledge systems and cultural expressions (cultural heritage) in Accordance with Article 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Institutions must not claim rights over Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

Principle 8 – Indigenous Data Sovereignty 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to own, control, govern and make decisions about data relating to them, their communities, culture and Country. Be informed by the Aboriginal community and individuals, at the outset of the research, about what is required to enable Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including the institutions’ role in data stewardship, and act to achieve this.

Principle 9 – Knowledge Translation

Research findings are translated into processes, practices and policies that lead to positive, sustainable, structural change that benefits the Aboriginal community. Knowledge translation is considered throughout the research process and actively informed by community and end-users.

Principle 10 – Invest in Aboriginal Researchers

Prioritise investment in developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research leaders and culturally safe strategies that grow and retain the workforce. Articulate the roles, responsibilities and ways of working of non-Indigenous people in Aboriginal research.

Sign up to receive updates about the South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord, including the release of the Accord Principles and Guidance Report and other Accord-related news.