Decolonising University Research Praxis through Interrogation of the intercultural space in Indigenous Research - A Masterclass with Professor Dawn Bessarab

Join UQ's School of Social Science and The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) for a special masterclass with Professor Dawn Bessarab on Wednesday 25 October. 

In this masterclass, Professor Bessarab will set out some of the rich opportunities for advancing an Indigenous-led research agenda through intercultural, or third space approaches. Drawing from decades of experience in both theory, methodology and practice, Dawn will show how these spaces of contestation offer pathways for co-design and collaboration, as well as dialogic practices that de-centre notions of the ‘expert’ while at the same time re-centring Indigenous voices and knowledges.

Throughout this masterclass, Dawn will explore how inter-cultural or third space approaches can inform meaningful Indigenous-led research. She will also reflect on some key ethical dimensions associated with Indigenous-led research, including the responsibilities for university-based researchers to ensure meaningful translation of research with Indigenous communities; widening the dominant narrative about who counts as a knowledge holder, and the terms upon which ‘authorship’ is recognised. 

Dawn’s presentation will be of direct relevance to both established/senior researchers, as well as early career and RhD students. Following Dawn’s presentation, she will be joined by Associate Professor Stephanie Gilbert, Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement), Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences to yarn about key themes, before opening up to Q&A.

Professor Dawn Bessarab

Professor Bessarab is a proud Bardi/Yindijibarndi woman with a social work background. She is a highly regarded and sought-after leader in Indigenous methodologies and participatory action research. Professor Bessarab developed the framework on research yarning as an Indigenous conversation which is now widely applied across the Australian and International communities. She has championed Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers to build their capacity to deliver high impact research. Professor Bessarab is the current principal lead for the Good Spirit Good Life Centre for Excellence (CRE) in Indigenous Wellbeing and Ageing and a co-investigator on a CRE on Indigenous brain health and dementia.

This lecture is hosted by the School of Social Science and The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement).