Indigenous knowledge must be foundation for science and research

Science & Technology Australia (STA) has said Indigenous knowledges should be prioritised when driving the future direction of the nation’s science and research efforts.

The organisation has authored a submission on the Draft National Science and Research Priorities, in partnership with senior Indigenous leaders in science and research, calling for elevation and investment in First Nations perspectives on science, technology and innovation. STA said these perspectives and the collective knowledge have fundamental importance for Australia’s unique knowledge systems and national identify, so must be a standalone concern in the next National Science and Research Priorities.

These priorities crystallise what is important to the nation and will guide Australia’s research agenda for the coming decade — and determine what research gets funded — which is why it is such a crucial opportunity.

“Indigenous knowledge is important in its own right to Australia — it’s the bedrock on which our country’s knowledge systems are built,” said Science & Technology Australia CEO Misha Schubert.

“It is what makes Australia — and our science and research endeavours — unique in the world. Indigenous knowledge should not be seen just as an enabler of other objectives in Australian science and research.”

In addition to interweaving Indigenous knowledge through all the other priorities, a standalone priority to elevate and invest in Indigenous knowledge would strongly signal to the research community and the nation that this is core work for Australia — and central to our national science, technology and research ambitions.

“It would also be a powerful signal to Australia’s research funding agencies to invest in Indigenous people and perspectives in research, science, technology and innovation,” Schubert said.

“This crucial signal can help to unleash a transformative moment for Australian STEM — and start a deeper investment in supporting more Indigenous people and priorities into our national science and research effort. It would be a powerful legacy for all the generations of Australians to come.”

STA said that, together with Indigenous members and stakeholders, it is deeply disappointed the draft priorities do not yet reflect the exciting ambition articulated by Industry & Science Minister Ed Husic for the refreshed priorities to include “elevating and investing in First Nations perspectives in science, technology and innovation”. STA strongly advocates for rectification of this in the final priorities.

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