The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is at the forefront of research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are involved as researchers, partners and drivers of our research priorities and projects. We lead by example in conducting research to the highest ethical standards and we have a genuine commitment to building pathways for knowledge exchange.
Our research is not only high quality, but more importantly, contributes to the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and has direct benefit to the communities we work with. Our work allows us to build upon and contribute to the knowledge contained within our collections.
Our partnerships are essential. They connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations with researchers, policy makers and practitioners to address the questions they want answered, with outcomes that can be implemented, shared and built upon.
It is the grounded nature of our research that places us in a position to influence and inform policies and practices of importance to Indigenous Australians.
We are committed to fostering the new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and engaging Indigenous Australians in the research process. We specialise in the areas of languages and cultural expression, native title and traditional ownership, education and cultural transmission, governance development and public policy, health and wellbeing, and land and water.
Finding your family
We have a wide range of resources to help you with your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history research.
Guides and resources
Doing your own research? These guides and resources can help.
Ethical research
Our best-practice ethical research guidelines promote meaningful engagement and reciprocity between researchers and Indigenous people.
Current projects
Check out what our researchers are currently working on.
Research themes
Our research spans country, culture, health, governance and law.
Our researchers
Our inter-disciplinary research team facilitate and coordinate research across academic, community and public sectors.
