AEHRC–CSIRO Workshop: Identifying AI Priorities in Indigenous Health.
Datarwe is proud to share highlights from our recent trip to Perth, where we supported colleagues at the CSIRO’s Australian eHealth Research Centre (AEHRC) in running a workshop aimed at identifying priorities and unanswered questions relevant to Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare. This event marked the fifth in a series of workshops led by Aboriginal researchers, Professor Ray Mahoney and Dr. Andrew Goodman, who are building an evidence base on the applicability, concerns, and opportunities of AI in Indigenous health.
From left to right: Professor Ray Mahoney (CSIRO), Professor Bep Uink (Director Health InforNet), Dr. Lucy Shinners (Datarwe), Dr. Andrew Goodman (CSIRO)
Building Relationships Before Partnerships
Hosted by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet at Edith Cowan University’s Mt Lawley campus, the workshop embodies the AEHRC Indigenous Health program’s philosophy of placing relationships before partnerships. Together with clinicians, researchers, community members, and industry partners, the session sought to bring cultural context to AI adoption and ensure that First Nations voices are central to the conversation.
HealthInfoNet’s Role in Knowledge Exchange
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet—an organisation with over 27 years of experience in knowledge exchange, directed by the dynamic Professor Bep Uink—was an ideal host. Their mission to make up-to-date research and key information freely accessible has made them an invaluable resource for advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Their platform enables practitioners and policymakers to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence, aligning closely with the workshop’s objectives of informed, culturally sensitive AI adoption.
Intensive Care Unit
CSIRO’s Legacy of Innovation
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has long championed innovation in healthcare. The AEHRC, established in 2003 as the nation’s first and largest e-health research hub, continues to leverage partnerships with government, clinicians, industry, and SMEs to provide rigorous evidence for the digital transformation of healthcare.
The culmination of this scoping project will be a co-published report by CSIRO and its partners, highlighting the workshop’s collective insights and recommendations.
Datarwe’s Commitment to Indigenous Voices
Datarwe and Dr. Lucy Shinners remain committed to supporting this ongoing partnership with the AEHRC Indigenous Health Program. We look forward to contributing further to this important work, which not only advances AI in healthcare, but also elevates the voices of First Nations peoples and fosters a shared vision for equitable, high-quality health services across Australia.
