A record 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students have completed a PhD with The University of Queensland this year – including 6 who conducted important research to improve health outcomes for community.
The number of First Nations tertiary graduates also continues to climb, with 116 students completing a degree in 2025, compared to 71 in 2021.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said: “This year’s record number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD completions is a powerful milestone, reflecting the strength, determination and growing impact of Indigenous scholars shaping the future of academia in Australia.”
Of the 11 PhD graduates, 6 are affiliated with the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health – one of Australia’s leading research centres working to improve health outcomes for First Nations peoples.
They are Dr Amba-Rose Atkinson, Dr Condy Canuto, Dr Stephen Harfield and Dr Janet Stajic from the School of Public Health and Dr Lorelle Holland and Dr Kate Thompson from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work.
“It’s a phenomenal achievement and one that the Poche Centre has been involved in since their enrolment,” Poche Centre Director Professor James Ward said.
“It’s a signal that we have things right for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.
“Around 90 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will graduate with a PhD across Australia this year and we are proud of our contribution here at UQ.
“We are thrilled by all they’ve accomplished. They have done their own communities proud, and they will continue to work to transform outcomes nationally and further afield. It’s an incredible outcome for the Poche Centre and for the broader UQ community.”
Dr Lorelle Holland is a proud Mandandanji woman and the first PhD Graduate from the Child Health Research Centre.
“My research aims to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with complex support needs in the justice system by addressing social and emotional wellbeing, healing and education,” Dr Holland said.
“To earn a PhD where my ancestors were denied education is a profound privilege. This achievement is for them, and for every child who deserves a future of hope, health, education, and justice.”
Dr Stephen Harfield’s PhD research will strengthen primary healthcare for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in urban communities in South East Queensland.
“My research involved yarning with young people and health care providers to see how we can make healthcare more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth,” Dr Harfield said.
“I am ecstatic and overwhelmed. It’s a massive achievement, not just for me but also my family and community.
“With the right support and encouragement, anything is possible.”
Dr Janet Stajic’s research focussed on greater recognition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce.
“I hope my research will inform policy that grows this workforce and contributes to Closing the Gap in health inequities in Australia,” Dr Stajic said.
