Research
The Mabo Centre’s research program is responsive to Traditional Owner needs. Through consultation with Traditional Owners, Indigenous leaders and their communities, our research themes are developed with an understanding of the barriers they face in successfully negotiating agreements for social, cultural, and economic benefit.
The Centre’s research outputs provide the foundation for structured training and learning opportunities, supporting capability building and skills development for Traditional Owners across crucial areas including governance, agreement-making, business, and commercial development.
Centre research outputs also inform national policy development, empowering Traditional Owners to achieve best possible outcomes from the resources they control and influence.
Our Research
The Mabo Centre’s research program generates knowledge and data to support Traditional Owners to build capability, develop skills, and strengthen capacity for economic benefit, while providing an evidence base to support systemic change across the native title sector.
Eminent Visiting Fellow Program
Combining an interdisciplinary approach with diverse perspectives, the Mabo Centre’s research team are leaders in their fields. Comprised of established academics and researchers, lawyers, and senior First Nations leaders, the Centre’s research team holds extensive experience across industry, government, academia, and community leadership.
We recognise and elevate knowledge rooted in cultural authority, leadership, and lived experience, embedding Indigenous ways of thinking, being and doing into our research program.
Our research team works in collaboration with Traditional Owner networks and industry to explore, understand, and deliver research outcomes which address the challenges faced by Traditional Owners in navigating native title.
Find out more about our Eminent Visiting Fellows program.
Our Research Team
Combining an interdisciplinary approach with diverse perspectives, the Mabo Centre’s research team are leaders in their fields. Comprised of established academics and researchers, lawyers, and senior First Nations leaders, the Centre’s research team holds extensive experience across industry, government, academia, and community leadership.
We recognise and elevate knowledge rooted in cultural authority, leadership, and lived experience, embedding Indigenous ways of thinking, being and doing into our research program.
Our research team works in collaboration with Traditional Owner networks and industry to explore, understand, and deliver research outcomes which address the challenges faced by Traditional Owners in navigating native title.
Our Research In Action
More than three decades after the landmark Mabo decision, Traditional Owners and their communities continue to navigate a complex and often adversarial native title system, challenged by insufficient support, knowledge, and resources.
Since our establishment in March 2025, the Mabo Centre’s research program has worked towards supporting Traditional Owners to translate this legal recognition into economic empowerment.
Using a powerful model of cross sector convening, our knowledge exchange and symposium series has already contributed to several policy submissions, jointly prepared with our partner the National Native Title Council.