The Lowitja Institute has presented its 2025 Awards as part of the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, held on Kaurna Country in South Australia this week.
The awards recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership across research, innovation and community-led health initiatives.
They form part of the Institute's broader mission as Australia's national community-controlled health research body, committed to culturally grounded and community-driven research.
The awards were presented on Wednesday at a gala ceremony attended by conference delegates and guests.
Lowitja Institute CEO Paul Stewart said the awards celebrate research that is culturally, ethically and intellectually strong, and that directly benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"Our Lowitja Institute Awards put a spotlight on Blak excellence in health research, and the outstanding contribution that our leaders and researchers make in improving the health and wellbeing of our peoples," Mr Stewart said.
"Our award winners are leading examples of how Aboriginal-led research can achieve better outcomes that make a real difference in our communities."
Entertainment was provided by Adelaide-based band Sound Factory, with a surprise performance from Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs.
More than 1,300 delegates attended the conference, which featured presentations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health experts, community leaders, and international researchers.
2025 Lowitja Institute Award winners:
Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue Lifetime Achievement Award
Kombumerri and Wakka Wakka woman, Dr Aunty Mary Graham, was acknowledged as one of Australia's leading Aboriginal philosophers and educators.
Patrick Dodson, a Yawuru Elder from Broome, was recognised for decades of leadership in politics, land rights, and Aboriginal affairs.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Leadership Award
Wagadagam Gumulgal woman and Associate Professor, Lisa Whop, leads cancer prevention research at the Australian National University.
She is an epidemiologist and Associate Research Director at Yardhura Walani - the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research.
Pat Anderson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researcher Award
Associate Professor Graham Gee, an Aboriginal Chinese clinical psychologist born on Larrakia Country, has worked extensively on trauma and healing, with a focus on culturally safe practice.
Dr Ali Drummond, a Meriam and Erubam man from Zenadh Kes and Wuthathi from Cape York, is the CEO of CATSINaM and co-leads 'The Ume Project', which documents the Torres Model of Care in a Lowitja Institute-funded study.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Award
Stephen Harfield is a Narungga and Ngarrindjeri man and PhD candidate based at the University of Queensland's Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.
He is a Senior Research Fellow with expertise in epidemiology and public health.
Tarrn-doon-nonin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Project Award
Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, based in the Fitzroy Valley, was recognised for its work in mentoring, advocacy and service delivery.
The centre has led a number of projects guided by Aboriginal ethics and community-based leadership.
