Research
The Mabo Centre’s research program is grounded in First Nations knowledge and is responsive to Traditional Owner needs.
Through consultation with Traditional Owners, Indigenous leaders and their communities, our research themes are developed to empower Traditional Owners to successfully negotiate agreement making for social, cultural, and economic benefit.
Our Research
Knowledge generated by the Mabo Centre's research program supports Traditional Owners to develop skills, build capability, and strengthen capacity for the economic benefit of the communities they lead.
Data from our research contributes to an evidence base which supports systemic change across the sector to create a fairer, more efficient native title system.
Eminent Visiting Fellow Program
Our Eminent Visiting Fellow program brings together Indigenous leaders, established and emerging First Nations researchers and policy practitioners, whose work focuses on First Nations economic empowerment.
Supported by our academic partner the University of Melbourne, the program provides a platform for senior Traditional Owners and First Nations leaders, academics, and scholars to help shape the economic future of Australian First Nations communities and create change through research outcomes.
Our Research Team
Our team of established academics and researchers, native title lawyers and senior First Nations leaders hold extensive specialist knowledge, and are leaders within their fields of experience.
By recognising and elevating knowledge rooted in cultural authority, leadership, and lived experience, we embed Indigenous ways of thinking, being and doing into our research program.
Our Research In Action
More than three decades after the landmark Mabo decision, Traditional Owners and their communities continue to navigate a complex native title system.
Since our establishment in March 2025, the Mabo Centre’s research program has worked towards translating this legal recognition into greater economic empowerment for Traditional Owners and their communities.