Submit a Research application

Please read the following information before submitting an application.

Research Principles

SAWCAN recognises the value of research in strengthening evidence to support improved Aboriginal health and wellbeing outcomes across its communities. SAWCAN supports research that is community-led, culturally safe, and aligned with our ACCHO research priorities.  

Our culturally responsive research principles have been developed for and by Aboriginal people and ACCHOs. They are grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing to ensure research aligns with community priorities, respects sovereignty, and leads to meaningful health and wellbeing outcomes.  

Researchers seeking to work with our ACCHOs must agree to our principles and ensure that their application closely align with them. 

SAWCAN’s Research principles are as follows: 

S – Sovereignty

Research is led, owned and governed by the local Aboriginal people. It ensures their right to make decisions about what research is conducted, how it’s done and how outcomes are shared.

A – Aboriginal leadership

Aboriginal voices are central at all levels—design, implementation, evaluation and interpretation, and dissemination. This leadership ensures research reflects community knowledge, strengths, and perspectives.

W – Working together

Collaboration is key. Researchers work in genuine partnership with communities, building trust and reciprocity over time.

C – Cultural integrity

Research must uphold and respect cultural protocols, knowledge systems and values. This includes being mindful of language, customs and traditional ways of sharing information.

A – Accountability

Researchers are accountable to the Aboriginal communities they are researching. Transparent processes, regular reporting, participatory interpretation, and mutual feedback are essential.

N – Negotiated benefits

Researchers are accountable to the Aboriginal communities they are researching. Transparent processes, regular reporting, participatory interpretation and mutual feedback are essential.

Research Priorities 

The information you provide in the application will be used to develop a brief for CEO(s) of the relevant ACCHO(s) of Interest. The ACCHO(s) will determine if Research Projects align with their Research Priorities once they have reviewed the research application briefing from our Research Coordinator, No ACCHO have set Research priorities as we welcome all projects to show interest, we don’t want to lose a collaboration opportunity due to set priorities.

Important note on Identified data 

SAWCAN does not collect, receive, or store identifiable data as part of any research projects. Any data that can directly identify an individual must not be submitted to SAWCAN and must instead be provided directly to the relevant ACCHO(s) Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Identifiable data includes information such as a person’s name, address, date of birth, or contact details.

Have the following documents and files ready to attach to complete your application.

  • Data Management Plan
  • Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC) Approved Letter
  • Research project description / overview
  • Cultural Awareness Certificates for each member of the project team.
  • Project Logo

More information or assistance with your application. 

Please email research.data@sawcan.org.au

Submit an application