2025 FEIT Indigenous Research and Teaching Innovation Grant Recipients
Congratulations to all past recipients of the FEIT Indigenous Research and Teaching Innovation Grant.
Cultural heritage documentation: geospatial tool development and support for RAPs
Lead Chief Investigator: Dr Martin Tomko, FEIT, Department of Infrastructure Engineering
Working in partnership with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, this project aims to continue capacity building to support the documentation and protection of cultural heritage. Both communities hold large and detailed datasets generated from past collaborations. This project aims to maintain ongoing geospatial analytical support to the communities and the development of tailored, re-usable training materials in open-source GIS tools to build data and analytical sovereignty.
Grounded Futures: Indigenous Innovation in the Afterlife of Aircrafts
Lead Chief Investigator: Dr Madhurima Das, FEIT, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Working in partnership with the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT) and the Arrernte community, this project aims to identify and implement culturally and technologically appropriate ways to repurpose decommissioned aircraft components stored at the Alice Springs boneyard. Aircraft parts, as engineered objects, are designed for precision, strength, and endurance, yet their afterlife is often limited to recycling, narrow forms of reuse, or landfill. This project explores a more expansive approach, reframing repurposing of aircraft components through Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and local needs. It also forms part of ENGR90037: Engineering Capstone Project, where students will prototype community-generated ideas for repurposing aircraft parts. Through this approach, the project will show how Indigenous knowledges and engineering education can come together in teaching initiatives to build capability, strengthen partnerships, and create long-term pathways for collaboration.
If you have any further questions on the FEIT Indigenous Research and Teaching Innovation Grant please contact engit-indigenous@unimelb.edu.au