Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kulunga Research Network?
The Kulunga Research Network (Kulunga) is the Institute’s Indigenous research arm and was formally established in 1999. Kulunga is a joint initiative between the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the WA Aboriginal community.

What does 'Kulunga' mean?
Kulunga is a Noongar word meaning child.

What does the Kulunga Research Network do?
A team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers and staff oversee the Aboriginal child and maternal health research programs of the Institute.

Why does the Institute have a separate Indigenous research area?
Aboriginal children and their families face a far greater burden in terms of poor health and general wellbeing. Kulunga's firm belief is that improvements to the lives of Aboriginal children through sustainable, community owned research effort will have far-reaching impacts on the lives of our families and future generations.

Can only Aboriginal people work in Kulunga?
No. Whilst many of the staff in Kulunga are Aboriginal, Kulunga has an important capacity building role in training and supporting non-Aboriginal researchers to conduct culturally appropriate research in Aboriginal communities.

What is Indigenous research?
Research has traditionally been conducted by non-Indigenous researchers who have interpreted our peoples, cultures and languages through their own cultural and social lens.

Appropriate research must be conducted to give voice to peoples concerns and to identify the most appropriate means to conduct research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and its people.

Indigenous Research is having the capacity and expertise to conduct all facets of research in an insightful and strategic manner that remains respectful of Indigenous traditions and protocols.