Research
NCIG’s research focus is to generate genomic data to improve the quality and usefulness of underlying genome reference resources, and to design better models of research and governance that address ethical, cultural and social barriers to Indigenous inclusion. Explore research and study opportunities
Research, data, knowledge and implementation of healthcare genomics are biased towards people of European ancestry. The underlying genomic data reference on which genomic medicine relies does not include data from Indigenous Australians, and in general, people with different or mixed ancestry are excluded from the studies for purely technical reasons associated with the statistical methods used in the analysis. The extent and significance of this bias and the importance of redressing it have received considerable recent attention in the scientific literature and are now well understood.
NCIG research is helping to break down technical barriers to Indigenous inclusion in genomics, just as its approach to governance and community consultation is breaking down cultural and other barriers to inclusion.
NCIG’s dual research focus is to generate and assemble genomic data to improve the quality and utility of the underlying reference; and to implement models for the conduct and governance of research that address ethical, cultural and social barriers to Indigenous inclusion.
Once the underlying reference is improved, there is a broad range of possible research questions that the collection could be used to address. Some offer potential benefit to society at large; others relate more specifically to donors, their relatives and descendants, and the broader Indigenous population
NCIG conducts interdisciplinary genomic research that is scientifically rigorous, ethically grounded, and culturally respectful. Discover how our work contributes to global genomic knowledge while unlocking the potential of genomic medicine
Explore research projects at the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, advancing science, preserving culture and building a healthier future for Indigenous communities across Australia.
Explore the areas of research where the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics is actively engaged. These themes are drawn from the work of its members and together create a distinctive research profile.
Bioplatforms Australia is supporting a long-term, Indigenous-led effort to build a national reference for genome variation in Indigenous Australians. This work aims to improve health outcomes and ensure that genomic research reflects and respects the diversity of Australia’s First Peoples.