An Indigenous professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been awarded $1.59 million from the Australian Research Council to conduct genomic research among First Nations Australians.
Professor Maree Toombs, a Euralayie/Kooma woman from north-west NSW and Deputy Dean Indigenous at UNSW Medicine & Health, will use the allocation to address a 60-year research gap in blood group genetics in relation to Indigenous peoples.
Professor Toombs said the underrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in genomics research has led to several serious challenges, including blood transfusion complications.
"This type of research is crucial because it fills a long-standing gap in understanding the blood group diversity of Australia's First Peoples," Professor Toombs said.
"It could improve transfusion safety, lead to better medical treatments and create fairer blood typing methods."
Indigenous people who need blood transfusions currently face a higher risk of immune reactions, as they have been underrepresented in genomics data for years, according to UNSW.
Professor Toombs' project aims to respond to the increased risk by creating the first large-scale map of blood group variation in Indigenous peoples by utilising advanced DNA technology to map blood group genes and compile a detailed catalogue of genetic differences.
The study will see Professor Toombs work alongside Associate Professor Shivashankar Hiriyur Nagaraj from Queensland University of Technology.
"We will work closely with Elders and community leaders to ensure they are comfortable with this research and to understand any cultural concerns or protocols," Professor Toombs said.
"Perhaps most importantly, this study establishes ethical frameworks for conducting genomic research with Indigenous communities, ensuring future research respects cultural values, follows community protocols and is genuinely community-led rather than imposed from outside."
The project will also focus on building Indigenous capacity in genomics and developing a dedicated Indigenous workforce to strengthen community leadership in future research.
"We hope that in the long term this research will encourage rare blood group donations, strengthen donor registries and improve transfusion safety, benefiting Indigenous communities and all Australians who rely on safe blood supplies," Professor Toombs said.
Professor Toombs' study is one of 16 projects to receive a share of $18.4 million through the ARC Discovery Indigenous Scheme.
The scheme supports research programs led by Indigenous researchers, helping to build the research capacity of higher degree students and early career researchers.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the diversity of projects selected for funding, and the focus on Indigenous-led research, will expand Australia's Indigenous knowledge systems.
"Through the Discovery Indigenous scheme, the ARC plays a crucial role in supporting career pathways for emerging Indigenous researchers. We are investing in our future research leaders," Ms Roessner said.
UNSW Dean of Medicine & Health, Professor Cheryl Jones said the project would deliver meaningful advances in precision medicine for all Australians.
"Professor Toombs' project is a crucial step toward improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities," Professor Jones said.
