Celebrate NAIDOC Week: Then and now—The rise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research leaders
As we mark Fifty Years of Deadly this NAIDOC Week, we revisit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers we profiled in Library Connect in 2023 and 2024. These stories trace their growth and influence, charting their journey to the leadership roles they hold today and the futures they’ll continue to shape.
Professor Troy Meston
THEN (2023): Dr Troy Meston, Gamilleroi Senior Research Fellow, Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research
NOW: Professor Troy Meston, First Nations Research Lead, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University
From Dr to Professor and now a First Nations research leader, Professor Meston’s work reflects the growing influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship. His research brings together Indigenous studies, education and emerging technologies. His profile highlights how culturally grounded, community-led approaches can help preserve cultural heritage and advance work shaped by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing.
‘Our research is helping to provide much-needed, innovative thinking to help bridge the challenges of school and the digital divide to ensure Aboriginal children have the same opportunities as others in Australia…’
Read: Dr Troy Meston: Digitising the deep past (2023)
Professor Peter Anderson
THEN (2023): Director, Indigenous Research Unit, Griffith University
NOW: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), University of New England
From the Walpiri and Murinpatha peoples, Professor Anderson’s career has progressed from leading the Indigenous Research Unit at Griffith to shaping higher education nationally. In his 2023 Library Connect profile, he reflected on the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges in education systems, improving educational outcomes and creating pathways for future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.
‘Education is a fundamental human right and my research journey has been shaped by this belief. Because of this I’ve been a tireless advocate for improved and equal access to education for Indigenous peoples as well as other marginalised communities…’
Read: Championing Indigenous education: Meet Professor Peter Anderson (2023)
Professor James Charles
THEN (2024): Director, First Peoples Health Unit, Griffith University
NOW: Dean, Indigenous Research and Innovation, Adelaide University
A proud Kaurna man, Professor Charles’ career has evolved from frontline podiatry and health research to leadership across Indigenous research and innovation. His profile highlights a commitment to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through research that addresses complex challenges such as diabetic foot health while contributing to system-level change.
‘By doing research you really get the best bang for your buck — you can make the greatest contribution… by looking at the bigger picture through research rather than by just helping people individually…’
Read: Professor James Charles: Making change that matters (2024)
These three profiles reflect Fifty Years of Deadly, highlighting the strength, leadership and impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research across generations. They honour the foundations laid by those who came before, celebrate leadership in research and communities today and help build pathways for the next generation of First Nations researchers to rise strong.
Learn more about NAIDOC Week 2026 and the Fifty Years of Deadly theme on the official website.
