Kungullanji conference showcases Indigenous research

Law and Criminology and Criminal Justice student Melissa Osborn receives the 'Outstanding Seminar Presentation' award from Professor Andrea Bishop, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research)

Talented up-and-coming researchers from across Griffith University presented their findings at the Kungullanji Indigenous Student Research Conference.

The Kungjullanji Summer Research Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Kungullangi summer scholars learn valuable skills and receivementoring support from an academic supervisor, opening up pathways to careers in research.

The program has supported 100 students to attend research training workshops and cultural support sessions while undertaking their research over the summer

Kungullangi Summer Scholars with Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans

The Kungullanji summer scholars recently showcased their results, presenting a seminar and research poster at the conference on 12 February alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree Research candidates.

The 2020 Kungullanji Indigenous Research conference was opened by newly appointed Director of the Indigenous Research Unit Dr Bianca Beetson.The keynote presentation was delivered by Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman MsKrystal Lockwood.

Ms Lockwood is a PhD candidate and lecturer in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The opening presentations gave recognition to the history of Indigenous leadership in research and the importance of supporting future researchers.

Research conducted by the summer scholars ranged from oral health to rugby participation, criminal justice to religiosity and ocean acidification to the ‘Soulmate Theory’.

The conference ended on a high note with participants awarded for the most outstanding presentation and poster before hearing from Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans on the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.

“I am excited by the benefits the broader university community will gain from supporting and celebrating our First Peoples and the cultural richness, insights and perspective this brings.”

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student Madeline Bennett won the most outstanding poster award

First year participant Ms Melissa Osborn, a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student, won most outstanding seminar presentation award. Clinical exercise physiology student Mr Tamas Davis received a highly commended award for his seminar presentation.

Ms Madeline Bennett, a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with her sights set on postgraduate education won the most outstanding poster award. Public health student Fiona Wright was highly commended for her poster.

If you would like to get involved with the Kungullanji Program in the future:griffith.edu.au/kungullanji