DIC Symposium: First Nations People in Neuroimaging Research

The global neuroscience and neuroimaging research community faces a persistent and critical challenge: the lack of diversity in study populations. This issue is particularly pronounced in Australia, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain significantly underrepresented in neuroimaging research. This underrepresentation limits the generalisability of findings and contributes to systemic inequities in healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Historically, neuroscience has been shaped by Eurocentric frameworks that often neglect the diverse ways in which mental health and wellbeing is understood and experienced by different cultural groups. This omission has far-reaching consequences, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, whose unique perspectives often overlooked in favour of Western paradigms. Indigenous conceptualisations of health emphasise interconnectedness, linking individual well-being to family, community, and Country; a stark contract with the individual-centric focus of many Western models.

Compounding these issues are historical and ongoing systemic barriers that have fostered mistrust of research institutions among Indigenous communities. The legacy of colonisation, the forced removal of children during the Stolen Generations, and unethical research practices have left enduring scars. Institutional racism, lack of cultural safety, and intergenerational trauma further alienate our communities from participating in research initiatives.

The implications of this lack of representation extend beyond ethics and equity. Research outcomes derived from homogenous datasets may fail to capture critical variations in brain structure, function, and response to treatments. This could result in ineffective or even harmful interventions for underrepresented populations, further entrenching health disparities. Conversely, studies that embrace diversity are better equipped to uncover population-specific insights, paving the way for tailored and effective healthcare solutions.

This talk will outline methods to address these challenges by advocating for greater inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in neuroscience and neuroimaging research. It will highlight the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping research agendas and presents a case study of a collaborative, Aboriginal-led initiative as a model for inclusive practice.

Indigenous-led research represents a paradigm shift in neuroscience, prioritising cultural knowledge, ethical engagement, and community empowerment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that enrich scientific inquiry and foster culturally safe practices. This leadership is vital in bridging the gap between Western science and Indigenous worldviews, ensuring that research questions, methodologies, and outcomes align with community priorities.

Indigenous leadership also addresses historical power imbalances in research. By placing control of the research process in the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists, the field can move beyond extractive practices toward reciprocal and equitable partnerships. This approach builds trust, enhances participation, and ensures that research delivers tangible benefits to Indigenous communities.

This talk aims to provide actionable recommendations for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to foster equity and diversity in neuroscience.  

This talk will outline our innovative “Deadly Images” project. The objective of Deadly Images is to utilise culturally appropriate multimedia content and protocols to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families during MRI scans. The project involves developing cultural protocols for medical staff to follow when working with Aboriginal children during MRI scans, including training on cultural competency and sensitivity. We also utilise multimedia developed by the investigator team that incorporates cultural themes and stories that are relevant and familiar to the children. The project is designed to build relationships between the child, their family and the medical team, which can improve the overall experience of the scan and lead to further benefit for the entire community.

The project involves working with local Aboriginal communities and elders to ensure that the multimedia content and protocols are culturally appropriate and relevant to the community. The project also involves collaboration with healthcare professionals, including radiologists, MRI technologists, and paediatricians, to ensure that the protocols are effective and safe. The success of the project will be evaluated by assessing the success and quality of MRI scans in Aboriginal children who have undergone the cultural multimedia content and protocols and comparing these results scans without multimedia.

The Deadly Images project has developed unique ways of creating culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, which include our time spent yarning, developing protocol, the open day, on Country immersions with our team, the creation of multi-media audio-visual content for the MRI scanner, through cross cultural collaboration and the world first development of an Indigenous artwork which will be wrapped around our new CIMA.X MRI scanner.


The Deadly Images project has been two and a half years in its inception, we have worked flexibly within an Indigenous time perspective, which is circular and inclusive, aligning with the ebb and flow of Country and community. Additionally, using culturally appropriate content can help to build trust and relationships between the child, their family, and the medical team, which can improve the overall experience of the scan leading to further benefit for the entire community. 

This talk will outline the inception, goals of Mātai, a research, education and innovation institute located in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, New Zealand. Established in October 2020 with the pivotal support from Kānoa Regional Development Unit, Mātai has become a leading force in medical imaging, with a state-of-the-art GE 3-Tesla MRI machine and a team of experts. The core focus of Mātai is to enhance the capabilities of medical imaging through advanced software, post-processing techniques, and artificial intelligence. By doing so, Mātai seeks to advance preventative and predictive approaches through medical innovation and discovery.

He aha ta tātou mahi (What we do):

– Translate advanced medical imaging technology
– Work alongside the local Māori community with transdisciplinary approaches
– Bridge knowledge gaps and improve health pathways
– Conduct imaging and predictive modelling
– Advance health equity for Māori, Pacific, and rural communities
– Uplift health and well-being globally

He aha ta tātou e takoha (What we contribute)
– Access to advanced medical imaging
– Novel health innovations, including predictive medicine

– Opportunities for rural, regional, and indigenous participation in research
– Equitable access to research, science, and innovation 

Methamphetamine addiction is a serious problem that can harm both the brain and heart. This drug triggers a strong high by releasing dopamine, which is linked to feelings of pleasure and reward. Long-term use of methamphetamine can reduce the function and integrity of dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to habituation, escalating use and dependence.

Moreover, methamphetamine addiction can cause neuoinflammation in neural and cardiac tissue. This can lead to cognitive changes, particularly in executive functioning, attention and working memory. Cardiac inflammation can lead to heart disease, pulmonary hypertensions, congestive heart failure, and even sudden death.

We are pioneering the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to quantify changes in cardiac and neural structure and function caused by harmful methamphetamine use. This study uses a variety of innovative imaging methods and computer-based cognitive testing to measure cognitive function or how well the brain is working. Our goal is to improve understanding of the impact of harmful Methamphetamine use as well as recovery following abstinence, providing crucial insights for methamphetamine addiction treatment services.

This talk will be presented by Wendy Mohl, a Māori woman who is passionate about effecting a drug-free environment in the Tairāwhiti region by 2030. Wendy is committed to enabling and informing members of the community of the huge impacts and effects drug & alcohol have on us all. Wendy extensive experience in drug management and monitoring systems. She has facilitated and tailored drug and education programmes and workshops for the past 7 years in the Tairāwhiti and Wairoa district, including in workplaces and secondary schools.