Our Collaborations in Health Research
OUR VISION
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.
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 people.
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 knowledge, 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.
Convocation 2026.
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
15- 16 October 2026 | Naarm (Melbourne)“
Empowering Voices, Deadly Futures”
Come together with colleagues and partners from across the research sector for two days of insight, collaboration and inspiration.
OCHRe Convocation 2026 Details
The 2026 OCHRe Convocation theme, “Empowering Voices, Deadly Futures”, reflects a strong commitment to amplifying community voices and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership at the centre of health, research, and translation. It highlights the importance of self-determination, cultural strength, and collaborative action to create futures that are not only healthy and sustainable, but deadly — strong, vibrant and led by communities.
Come together with colleagues and partners from across the research sector for two days of insight, collaboration and inspiration.
ABOUT US
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OPPORTUNITIES
Jobs, training and scholarships
