90 MINUTE WORKSHOP - Recognition of Indigenous self-determination and prior rights in science research governance
Tracks
Kuranda Ballroom
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM |
Overview
Theme: Intellectual Property
Facilitator: Jim Walker
Panelists: Helen Ross and Cathy Robinson
Facilitator: Jim Walker
Panelists: Helen Ross and Cathy Robinson
Speaker
Mr Jim Walker
Lecturer
University of Queensland
90 MINUTE WORKSHOP - Recognition of Indigenous self-determination and prior rights in science research governance
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
Increasingly, Indigenous communities and Australian research partners in the biophysical sciences seek approaches that work to recognise different ways of knowing, and respect and protect Indigenous knowledges. These aspirations need to be instilled in the research governance frameworks that reflect agreements and protocols such as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (under the Convention on Biological Diversity) and the Queensland (Australia) Biodiscovery Act 2004, which are also a fundamental part of ISE’s ethics. Nevertheless, interpreting and applying the principles in research designs and collaborations can be challenging, and unfamiliar particularly to scientists whose training may not encompass such considerations.
In this workshop, we facilitate discussion on approaches to research governance, including but not limited to incorporating Indigenous rights in research agreements, protection of ICIP, and data sovereignty and enable participants to share and learn from one another’s experience.
The workshop will open with a panel presentation analysing governance through two case studies:
(1) “A deadly solution: Towards an Indigenous-Led bushfoods industry that involves the University of Queensland with three Indigenous Queensland communities and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.(Jim Walker, Helen Ross), and
(2) “Indigenous-led evaluation of cross-cultural knowledge co-production practice and impact in Kakadu National Park, Australia”(Kakadu National Environmental Science Program, Cathy Robinson, CSIRO and team).
Discussion will focus on:
• What are the hallmarks of “good” research agreements?
• Protection of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property – and how can it extend beyond the life of the project?
• Contractual obligations after the research project has completed – are the parties still bound to confidentiality?
• Indigenous data sovereignty
• The need for ethics applications
• The value of research protocols
• How are future “discoveries” addressed in research agreements?
In this workshop, we facilitate discussion on approaches to research governance, including but not limited to incorporating Indigenous rights in research agreements, protection of ICIP, and data sovereignty and enable participants to share and learn from one another’s experience.
The workshop will open with a panel presentation analysing governance through two case studies:
(1) “A deadly solution: Towards an Indigenous-Led bushfoods industry that involves the University of Queensland with three Indigenous Queensland communities and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.(Jim Walker, Helen Ross), and
(2) “Indigenous-led evaluation of cross-cultural knowledge co-production practice and impact in Kakadu National Park, Australia”(Kakadu National Environmental Science Program, Cathy Robinson, CSIRO and team).
Discussion will focus on:
• What are the hallmarks of “good” research agreements?
• Protection of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property – and how can it extend beyond the life of the project?
• Contractual obligations after the research project has completed – are the parties still bound to confidentiality?
• Indigenous data sovereignty
• The need for ethics applications
• The value of research protocols
• How are future “discoveries” addressed in research agreements?
Biography
Jim Walker is of the Iman and Goreng Goreng First Nations peoples. He is a lecturer within the School of Environment at the University of Queensland and is chair of the Science Advisory Committee of Earthwatch Australia.
Helen Ross is a Chief Investigator of the ARC Discovery Indigenous project 'A deadly solution: towards an Indigenous-led bushfoods industry'. She works closely with the Traditional Owner communities to ensure the research supports their goals.
