The Australian Research Council (ARC) has appointed Professor Bindi Bennett as its inaugural Academic Director (Indigenous), bringing nationally recognised expertise and leadership to support First Nations research, researchers and knowledge across Australia.
Professor Bennett is a K/Gamilaroi woman, respected scholar, researcher and advocate whose work spans Indigenous Knowledge Systems, cultural responsiveness, social justice, and the human-animal bond. She is a Professorial Research Fellow at Federation University Australia and has built a distinguished career advancing Indigenous Knowledges in research, strengthening culturally responsive practice, and supporting the re-Indigenisation of institutions and systems.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner AM FAA welcomed the appointment.
‘Professor Bennett is an outstanding researcher and leader whose expertise and experience will make a valuable contribution to the ARC and the broader research sector,’ Professor Roessner said.
‘The establishment of the Academic Director (Indigenous) role reflects the ARC’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, research excellence and the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Knowledges across Australia’s research system.’
‘Professor Bennett will bring important perspectives to the ARC’s work and help strengthen our engagement with First Nations researchers, communities and knowledge holders.’
ARC Academic Directors are senior academic leaders who provide disciplinary expertise and strategic research leadership to support the ARC’s research assessment, funding and policy processes.
Professor Bennett said she was honoured to take on the role and contribute to the ARC’s important work.
‘I am honoured to take on the role of Academic Director (Indigenous) and to contribute to strengthening First Peoples leadership and excellence across the Australian research landscape,’ Professor Bennett said.
‘I look forward to working with the ARC, researchers and communities to ensure First Peoples knowledges, priorities and ways of doing research are recognised, respected and supported, and to help shape a research system in which First Peoples can lead and thrive.’
Professor Bennett commences on 2 September 2026.
