NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly

This NAIDOC Week, the Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) joins communities across Australia in celebrating 50 Years of Deadly – a milestone that honours five decades of strength, culture, achievement and leadership by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The theme recognises the Elders, advocates, artists, researchers, health professionals and communities who have helped shape a stronger future while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

At OMRI, we acknowledge the vital contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to health and medical research, innovation and improved health outcomes.

We celebrate the knowledge, resilience and leadership that continue to drive positive change across Western Australia and beyond.

Supporting Aboriginal leadership in research is a key priority of the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund.

Applications are currently open for the Research Fellows 2026 program, including the Aboriginal Health Researcher Fellows stream, which supports early, mid- and senior-career Aboriginal researchers to co-design and lead research with Aboriginal communities.

Successful fellows may receive funding to support salary and research costs for up to four years. If you're an Aboriginal health and medical researcher looking to advance your career and drive meaningful change in Aboriginal health, find out more about the opportunity here: Future Health Research and Innovation Fund - Research Fellows 2026

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture and community.