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Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Understand your responsibilities and obligations to uphold ethical research practice when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and subject matter.
If you’re likely to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and subject matter while conducting research, you’re encouraged to complete the Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research eLearning module.
This module will develop your understanding of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, which sets national standards for ethical and responsible conduct. It has been developed by experts in the field, through a collaboration between the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Accessing the module
To access the training, enrol in the module in Canvas. The module is available to all students.
This training includes nine units that are delivered in two parts. Each part should take around two and a half hours to complete. You can complete it at your own pace, with the option to save your progress and return later.
Once you've successfully completed the module, it will appear in the 'Courses' section of Canvas.
Who should complete the module?
While not compulsory, we encourage you to complete it if you’ll engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and subject matter while conducting research. It can be taken by students enrolled in higher degree by research, postgraduate coursework and undergraduate coursework.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research is broadly defined in the Code to include the planning, collection, analysis and dissemination of information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about, or may affect, Indigenous peoples, either collectively or individually.
If your research is not initially related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and subject matter, we still suggest you complete this training. The modules will encourage you to consider how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and knowledges may be integrated in, and potentially advance, your research.
Why should I complete the module?
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right to be fully engaged in any processes, projects and activities that may impact on them.
Through interactive activities and real case studies, you‘ll be able to:
- generate research characterised by positive engagement and cultural competence
- navigate ethics in a confident manner and make informed decisions
- ensure that your research proposal complies with the Code.
Building cultural competency will enable you to develop research projects that are of equal benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Evaluation of your research proposal
Depending on the nature of your research, you may need to gain approval from an ethics review body before you commence your research. If your research engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or subject matter your research proposal will be evaluated on the basis of your compliance with the Code.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities expect researchers to be able to demonstrate cultural competence before commencing research. Even if ethics approval has been attained from universities or accredited bodies, many communities expect assurances from Indigenous-led and focused organisations such as AIATSIS.
More information
If you have questions about the module, email PVC.Indigenous@sydney.edu.au.
We acknowledge the tradition of Custodianship and Law of the Country on which the campuses of the University of Sydney stand. We pay our respects to those who have cared and continued to care for Country. As we share our own knowledge, teaching, learning and research practices, we also pay respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Custodianship of Country.
Last updated: 19 February 2024
