This award is named after internationally respected health leader Pat Anderson AO, who was instrumental in the organisation's establishment and its development as Australia's renowned national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute.

Lowitja Institute celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and excellence throughout their work. As Australia's national community controlled health and wellbeing research institute, the biennial conference awards recognise outstanding contributions to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research.

Dr Anderson AO, an Alyawarre woman and powerful advocate for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and First Peoples globally, is Lowitja Institute's co-patron alongside the late Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG and former chairperson after nearly 20 years in the role. This award recognises emerging leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research both inside and outside of the academy.

The successful awardee will receive:

• $5,000 towards professional development
• One full registration to Lowitja Institute's 5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference from 8 - 10 June 2027 in Garramilla (Darwin), including travel and accommodation. Please note, applicants should be available to attend the awards ceremony at the Conference Gala Dinner.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher with a minimum three years research experience.
• Has made significant contribution to support, influence and/or advise projects in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, locally and nationally. This could include a researcher who works in:
  • project management, research support, governance, cultural mentoring and/or advising
  • basic science, medicine, epidemiology, public health, social health and/or community health.
• The primary focus of the research is for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, in line with Lowitja Institute's research agenda themes.
• The researcher has demonstrated community involvement, leadership and capacity building through their research.

• Email: conference@lowitja.org.au