Edith Cowan University's Indigenous HealthInfoNet will see an Aboriginal person at the helm for the first time in its 27-year history.

Noongar woman, Professor Bep Uink, has become the first Indigenous person - and first woman - to lead the research unit.

Professor Uink's has a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical) and a PhD. She comes from her position as Dean of Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch University where she will head the specialist health network providing up-to-date and evidence informed practical information for health professionals who are improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people and communities.

A Post-Doctoral Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at Murdoch's Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, Professor Uink's research has focused on understanding how social disadvantage impacts the social and emotional wellbeing of young people — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

Furthermore, it looks at how social systems, including higher education, can support young peoples' wellbeing.

"HealthInfoNet has built an excellent reputation nationally and I am looking forward to working with the national stakeholders and peak bodies as we strive to support evidence-based decision making to help achieve the best possible outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health," Professor Uink said.

She has also led a program into Aboriginal youth mental health research informed by community needs and strengths, which has informed the 10-Year National Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing, and whose findings have been pivotal in advocating for Indigenous LGBTQA+ inclusion in national health strategies.

The professor has also led the ARC Discovery Indigenous project, Racism and Allyship in Aboriginal Youth Spaces (RAAYS), examining the impact of racism on the wellbeing of Aboriginal adolescents.

HealthInfoNet is a comprehensive Internet resource informing practice and policy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by making up to date research and other knowledge readily accessible via any platform.

Dean of ECU's Kurongkurl Katitjin Centre for Indigenous Education and Research, Professor Dan McAullay, said HealthInfoNet was an "integral" part of Kurongkurl Katitjin, saying it is well respected for providing an evidence base to help inform the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

He said the appointment of an Indigenous lead was a "milestone stage," arguing he was confident Professor Uink would continue the important work of HealthInfoNet's unique and vital role nationally.

"Bep's dedication to improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing has made her a respected voice in the field, so her experience and passion will undoubtedly further the impactful work of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet," Professor McAullay said.

He thanked outgoing Director Neil Drew for his 10-year commitment to the role where he helped deliver "many new initiatives and successful funding outcomes".

Professor Drew himself said it was a proud 'passing of the baton moment' to see the evolution of the HealthInfoNet and to be able to welcome an Indigenous woman into the leadership role.