New Aboriginal-led Indigenous genomics resources will support Australian scientists with cultural and historical knowledge.
Yuin man Alex Brown is central to the newly-developed 'Genomics Our Way – An Introduction to Genomics Research with Indigenous Australians' online course, a first of its kind.
The free resource aims to service the 'specific needs and aspirations' of First Nations Australians in precision medicine and public health programs as well as environmental and archaeological studies via First Peoples and an ethically-equipped future workforce.
The course was developed by Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) with support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research body the OCHRe network, the University of Adelaide and the Theo Murphy Initiative at the Australian Academy of Science.
Professor Brown, who led development, is Professor of Indigenous Genomics at Australian National University and Kids Research Institute Australia.
"The course emphasises Indigenous Data Sovereignty, ensuring that communities have control over their data and that research aligns with their values and priorities," he said.
"It underscores the importance of Indigenous governance and provides practical guidance on establishing Indigenous governance structures and fostering two-way learning opportunities between researchers and communities."
In 2023, Professor Brown was the first Indigenous person appointed to the board of the CSIRO.
Speaking to National Indigenous Times at the 23rd International Congress of Genetics in Naarm, he said ALIGN was about bringing the sector together to "delivers something real and meaningful, as defined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities themselves".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Australians are underrepresented in genomic datasets and research.
"We don't know the answer," on whether First Peoples are placed differently, genetically, in current health systems and treatment, Professor Brown said in 2023, "that's why we're beginning".
'Genomics Our Way' is targeted to early- and mid-career researchers, relevant university students from medicine to Indigenous studies, ethics committee members and policymakers, educators, research organisations and 'anyone interested in promoting ethical and equitable research practices with Indigenous communities'.
Enrolments have been encouraged.
Australian Academy of Science president Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the body is thrilled to support the course "designed to provide early- and mid-career researchers with cultural and historical knowledge that enables respectful genomic research with Indigenous Australians".
The academy's Theo Murphy Initiative backs efforts supporting the research community.
"This drives informed and respectful engagement with Indigenous Australians, and supports ethical and priority-driven genomics research," Professor Jagadish said.
