Delivering Real World Change
CAAHSN exists to ensure Aboriginal-led research delivers real-world change – not reports that sit on shelves.
We are an NHMRC-accredited Research Translation Centre working to improve health, wellbeing and social outcomes for Aboriginal people across Central Australia and the Barkly. We bring together Aboriginal health and health-related services, researchers, universities and other partners to undertake strategic, collaborative research that responds to priorities identified by our members and communities, translating evidence into practice, policy and system change.
2017
National Recognition
2018
Becoming the Central Australia Academic Health Science Network
2019
Growing The Network
2024
Charitable Registration
Changing how health research is done
Who leads it, whose priorities matter, and how evidence is used.
RESeARCH TRANSLATION =
Research IMPACT
At CAAHSN, research translation is about turning knowledge into real improvements in health, wellbeing and systems – in ways that make sense for Central Australia and the Barkly.
We don’t see research and practice as separate. Research translation means working alongside Aboriginal communities, health services and researchers from the outset, so evidence is relevant, usable and embedded where it matters most.
Networking IS KEY
We translate research by connecting Aboriginal knowledge, community priorities and evidence into real-world practice. Our role is to broker relationships, remove barriers and support partners to move research into policy, services and systems from the outset.
WHO LEADS
Community
WHAT WE CONNECT
People, knowledge and systems
HOW WE WORK
Collaboratively
WHAT CHANGES
Practice & Policy
Impact Stories
Real research. Real change.
EQuaLS: Rethinking How We Measure Patient Experience 2025
Why standard patient experience surveys don't work for Aboriginal language speakers in Central Australia, and what better approaches look like. Research that challenges health systems to listen differently, with real implications for quality and safety reform across Australia.
Tjilku Walykumunu: Understanding What Shapes Child Health on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands 2025
Community-led research into what really shapes child health on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, from food security and housing to how services are experienced on Country. Research that stayed in community hands and is already driving real change, from store policy reform to practical tools for caregivers and nurses.
Tribal Turning Point: Preventing Diabetes Through Community-Led Action 2025
How co-design with Aboriginal families, young people and health professionals is reshaping diabetes prevention for First Nations children in Central Australia. From research to real-world delivery, this is what it looks like when communities shape and own the programs designed for them.
Making Sense and Informing Action: Renal Research Knowledge Translation 2024
How Aboriginal people living with renal disease in Central Australia were brought into the centre of research and policy work as co-researchers, not subjects. Knowledge translation done right, on Aboriginal terms, with real implications for how renal services are designed and funded across the region.
Community Based Food Security & Sovereignty Research Project 2023
How the Anangu Research Team on the APY Lands is leading community-based research into food security and store nutrition, turning evidence into action. Research that builds local knowledge and agency, with communities driving the change rather than waiting for it.
Reforming Aeromedical Retrieval in Remote Australia 2022
How smarter workforce design in Central Australia's aeromedical retrieval system saved lives, reduced hospitalisations, and cut costs. Plus the ongoing work to build national performance standards that centre Aboriginal community voices.
We are an NHMRC-Accredited Research Translation Centre
Partners
Join Our Network
Part of our approach to working in Central Australia and Barkly is by networking with community, researchers, funders, communicators and academia.
Seeking Funds?
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