Friday, October 24, 2025

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

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Overview

Sponsored by: CSIRO

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Details

This session will focus on how Indigenous knowledge systems can complement and enhance modern scientific approaches, particularly in health and biotechnology. It will address the importance of incorporating cultural perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing in shaping the future of STEM and the health and biotech sectors. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a holistic approach to health that focuses on the wellbeing and harmony of the individual, community, and Country. This is based on a very deep and rich knowledge system that spans an unbroken 65,000 years. Given an emphasis on the maintenance of wellbeing and balance, rather than addressing illnesses when they arise, these frameworks hold great potential for delivering large scale, innovative improvement in health outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This knowledge system also extends to sophisticated ways to treat disease, including cultural medicines and biomaterials, holding huge potential for value adding true innovation when combined with western medicine; but only if unlocked using appropriate respectful engagement models, protection for knowledge holders, and a flowback of benefits to communities given the value of this knowledge. This session will highlight the importance of Indigenous-led and co-designed solutions for Indigenous community health services, such that these are culturally safe, fit for purpose and maximise impact. In fitting with the session, the content/focus of the panel will be co-developed with community and will involve an Indigenous-majority panel. Sponsored by

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Speaker