2027 Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow
The University of Technology Sydney has unveiled the recipient of the UTS Chancellor's Research Indigenous Fellowship (CRF) for 2027, spotlighting an outstanding researcher set to tackle some of today’s most complex challenges.
Dr Neva Collings is examining how the commercial use of digital genetic information from Australian native tobacco can support fair benefit-sharing with Indigenous communities while protecting traditional knowledge through improved legal and policy frameworks.
UTS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Anika Gauja, expressed her enthusiasm for the CRF cohort of 2027.
“I am truly excited to see such a diverse and passionate group join our institution. These fellows are not only pioneering outstanding research in their respective fields but are also contributing significantly to addressing global challenges,” Professor Gauja said.
“At UTS, we pride ourselves on undertaking world-class research that delivers economic, social, and cultural prosperity to the communities where we live and work.
“The work of this cohort epitomises the forward-thinking, innovative spirit we champion at UTS.”
The fellow receives a four-year contract appointment, project funding of up to $50,000, and a suite of additional support to advance their research.
Find out more about past Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellows.
Dr Neva Collings
Project: Australian Native Tobacco Biodiscovery and Indigenous Data Sovereignty Protocol
Summary: Modern technologies allow digital sequence information (DSI) derived from biological resources to be used commercially in ways that can bypass international benefit-sharing arrangements under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Using Nicotiana benthamiana (Pituri) as a case study, this project investigates the commercial use of DSI and approaches to ensuring fair and equitable benefit-sharing with Indigenous communities. It evaluates legal and policy frameworks for advancing CBD objectives through the newly established Cali Fund and analyses public patent records and databases to identify opportunities for strengthening Indigenous data sovereignty. Through open-access publications, policy briefs and podcasts, the project will translate its findings into accessible resources for Indigenous peoples and their community organisations, policymakers and the wider community, supporting more equitable access, management and benefit-sharing from commercial use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge, and strengthening Australia’s capacity to protect Indigenous peoples’ interests while contributing to fair and responsible innovation.
Sponsor: Professor Natalie Stoianoff