Indigenous data sovereignty and cultural heritage management in the resources sector

This PhD scholarship opportunity is offered as part of the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Training Centre program (ARC ITTC), which brings together industry and research partners in a highly collaborative, cohort based environment.

A core aim of the program is to support the development of a connected community of researchers and industry professionals through shared training, mentoring and engagement activities.

The ARC ITTC is a hosted by Flinders University in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University.

This PhD (as 1 of 4) is run from UQ. And it is part of a larger cohort of 13 PhDs, across the three universities. https://www.archaeologytrainingcentre.org

Part of the ARC’s purpose is to:

• Collaborate to create best practice cultural heritage management frameworks relevant to all phases of a mine’s life.
• Pioneer new ways of communicating the significance of archaeology and cultural heritage.  

Based at The University of Queensland, this PhD research will undertake research with the Training Centre industry and Indigenous partner organisations to explore how the concept and practice of Indigenous data sovereignty applies to the extractive industries.

The project may range over novel forms of IP protection, technical means of selective data protection, institutional policies in Australia and beyond, or other topics the candidate can demonstrate to be of relevance to the application of the data sovereignty concept to cultural heritage protection in the extractive industries.  

Contemporary concepts of Indigenous data sovereignty emerged in the 1990s from the groundbreaking work of Canadian First Nations communities who were responding to poor data practices and exclusion. They were frustrated by non-Indigenous data users speaking with authority about the health of First Nations peoples.

A global Indigenous data sovereignty movement has since emerged, that has moved beyond health with a subsequent raft of principles (including OCAP), networks and collectives which, in Australia, includes the Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective. 

In the context of the extractive industries, the mechanisms for building and sharing cultural heritage knowledge have historically been deeply inequitable with the industry holding vast libraries of cultural heritage survey data, as well as material culture. 

Each mining company and Indigenous representative body have varying systems and capabilities in managing this data – including material culture management. This project has the potential to develop leading practice in Indigenous data management and support the establishment of mechanisms for repatriation of data and materials.       

• Unparalleled networking opportunities and research training within and across diverse organisations.
• Deep disciplinary expertise in archaeology enabling interaction in cultural knowledge exchange.
• Opportunities to contribute to the evolution of archaeology in the resources sector and Traditional Owners, and the broader field of social performance in mining.
• Holistic training for the next generation of archaeologists and social scientists strongly desired by employers worldwide.
• Placement with a partner organisation: A 12-month placement with a partner organisation provides practical insights and professional development.

The successful candidate will be based at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at UQ:  
https://smi.uq.edu.au/csrm

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of applied cultural heritage protection and the resources sector would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field of social sciences: anthropology/archaeology/political science/human geography and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of Indigenous Australia and the resources sector, as well as experience working in remote areas and a current driver's licence are highly desirable.

Equity criteria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 16 August, 2026 16 August, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Prof.essor Sarah Holcombe (s.holcombe@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: DATA-HOLCOMBE
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/indigenous-data-sovereignty-and-cultural-heritage-management-resources-sector

Submit an EOI