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Journal article
Process of co-designing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander longitudinal birth cohort study (The Strong Families Study)
CoDesign
2026
Abstract
The Strong Families Study (SFS) is an Indigenous-led, longitudinal birth cohort study that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families during the first 1000 days across Queensland, Australia. Its success lies in a co-design approach that embeds Indigenous leadership and culturally responsive methodologies throughout the research process. A co-design, workshop approach was undertaken in partnership with an Indigenous Steering Committee (ISC), providing leadership, Indigenous knowledge, experiences, and priorities. The Aboriginal practices of Dadirri, that is, inner deep listening and quiet still awareness, and Yarning, which facilitated meaningful discussions, were utilised and helped redress power imbalances between researchers and ISC members. Other strategies effectively incorporated sticker exercises, active discussions, and reaching consensus across the group. Key outcomes of the co-design included the development of culturally responsive health priorities, informed consent practices, and data collection and governance processes. The ISC prioritised self-determination and fostered ongoing, meaningful dialogue between researchers and community members, reinforcing the study's ethical foundations and culturally responsive approach. The co-design process ensured that Indigenous voices were prioritised and respected, enhancing the study's cultural integrity. Therefore, the SFS offers a model for Indigenous-led research, highlighting the vital role of Indigenous leadership and knowledge in shaping health research and outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Process of co-designing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander longitudinal birth cohort study (The Strong Families Study)
- Authors/Creators
- Luciana Massi - Mater ResearchDavina Smith - Mater ResearchSalma Mohamed Ahmed - Mater ResearchLoretta Weatherall - Mater ResearchRhiannon Friday - Mater ResearchEmily S. Dorey - Mater ResearchRebecca Rooney - Mater ResearchNatasha Reid - The University of QueenslandKai Wheeler - The University of QueenslandRoslyn N. Boyd - The University of QueenslandKatherine Benfer - The University of QueenslandKoa Whittingham - The University of QueenslandLeonie Callaway - The University of QueenslandRobert S. Ware - Griffith UniversityVicki Clifton - The University of QueenslandElizabeth Martin - The University of QueenslandPaul Robinson - The University of QueenslandJosephine Forbes - The University of QueenslandGurmeet Singh - Menzies School of Health ResearchDiana Hermith-Ramirez - Griffith UniversityRhonda Marriott - Murdoch University, Ngangk Yira Institute for ChangeAnne-Marie Eades - Curtin UniversityMaree Toombs - The University of QueenslandSandra Eades - The University of MelbourneKym M. Rae - The University of QueenslandStrong Families Study Indigenous Steering Comm
- Publication Details
- CoDesign
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Number of pages
- 25
- Grant note
- NHMRC GNT2023832 / National Health and Medical Research Council; National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia Equity Trustees Mater Foundation
- Identifiers
- 991005891652407891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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