Jilbay First Nations Research Higher Degree Academy
The Academy is the first internally funded Academy of its kind for any Australian University. It aims to build the research capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Higher Degree (RHD) candidates and their supervisors by developing and undertaking Indigenous research projects and establishing partnerships in collaboration with other CQUniversity Schools, Research Centres, and Institutes.
Jilbay means old peoples' wisdom, and in every essence of the word, it’s the sharing of old people’s wisdom that makes students clever (Jilbaybili), likewise making supervisors/fellows more culturally clever (Jilbaymali). Therefore, Jilbaybili (students) and Jilbaymali (supervisors) are the two critical components of the Jilbay First Nations RHD Academy.
Originally named the First Nations Research Higher Degree Academy, the Academy underwent a name change with formal endorsement from the Dean of the School of Graduate Research. To better reflect the research that Jawun Research Centre and CQUniversity First Nations staff and students are engaged in, the Academy has been renamed Jilbay First Nations Research Higher Degree (RHD) academy. Jilbay is a Jirrbal word from Far North Queensland gifted by the Jirrbal Elders to Professor Adrian Miller, the academy’s Director.
The primary role of the Academy is to:
- Build research capacity and resilience within a cohort model for First Nations Research Higher Degree students to complete their studies
- Build the capacity of CQUniversity staff to appropriately supervise First Nations Research Higher Degree students
The overall objective of the Academy is to grow capacity for research undertaken by Indigenous candidates, and in Indigenous research more generally, in an inclusive and supported environment. Specifically, to:
- Support existing and future First Nations RHD candidates with a specific focus on addressing the known barriers to Indigenous RHD completions (as evidenced by the literature and lived experience of current and previous candidates);
- Grow CQUniversity capacity in Indigenous RHD supervision and the application of Indigenous research methodologies (including human research ethics), with a focus on best practice; and
- Contribute to CQUniversity’s overall impact in Indigenous Research, including research quality, engagement, and a priority on research with and for the benefit of Indigenous communities.
Jilbay First Nations RHD Academy support
- The Academy will provide a culturally safe supportive environment for Jilbay RHD candidates to progress through their studies.
- By providing a range of events and activities including cultural mentoring and support.
- Candidates will benefit from the annual Jilbay RHD Academy’s Darumbal residentials on the CQUniversity Rockhampton Campus.
- At the residential RHD candidates will be provided with face to face research training, connect with other candidates and hear from keynote speakers.
- We also offer Research scholarships and help during your application process.
To be eligible to become a member of the CQUniversity Jilbay First Nations RHD Academy you must identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and enrol in one of these courses of study:
Check out our Research Higher Degrees page for more RHD Courses we have to offer.
For more information about becoming a member, contact the Jilbay academy office.
Contact Us
To find a potential topic expert for your research, please visit Find an Expert - CQUniversity.
Complete the Expression of Interest form and we'll contact you.
Phone: 07 4726 5394
Email: JilbayRHD@cqu.edu.au
