Aboriginal researcher NAIDOC Person of the Year
The head of Indigenous research at Perth's The Kids for Child Health Research has been honoured as the 2008 National NAIDOC Person of the Year.
Award recipient Associate Professor Colleen Hayward is the Manager of the Institute's Kulunga Research Network, which is focused on building capacity within the Aboriginal community to undertake and influence research.
Institute Director Professor Fiona Stanley praised Professor Hayward's commitment to seeing more Aboriginal people take up research roles.
"Colleen has been an inspiration to many of her staff and is passionate about ensuring that Aboriginal people's rights are respected in all aspects of research," Professor Stanley said.
"She has been a key figure in pushing for policy in Indigenous health and wellbeing that is based on real evidence about what will really improve outcomes for Aboriginal children in particular.
"She is an advocate at the highest levels and her advice is keenly sought by many."
Professor Stanley said it was crucial that Aboriginal people were consulted and involved in the policies that aim to close the gap.
"We must always remember that the people who have the highest stake in closing the gap are Aboriginal people themselves and we are very proud to have at the Institute an inspirational group of Indigenous researchers and staff."
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