Robert McLellan

Thesis Title

Reclaiming Data, Reclaiming Culture: Indigenous Self-Determination in Digital Research Infrastructure

About the project

Effective data governance is central to Indigenous self-determination and the principle “nothing about us, without us.” Historical research practices have undermined trust and contributed to ongoing risks, including loss, misuse, and underrepresentation of Indigenous data. This research examines how digital research infrastructures can support Indigenous ownership and control, highlighting emerging frameworks that centre Indigenous worldviews and enable communities to derive value from data on their own terms.

About Robert McLellan

Robert a PhD researcher and governance practitioner focused on digital research infrastructure and Indigenous data governance. His work examines how data systems can support Indigenous self-determination through community-led governance and culturally responsive design. He contributes to initiatives including Improving Indigenous Research Capabilities (University of Melbourne), the Language Data Commons of Australia (University of Queensland), and the HASS & Indigenous Research Data Commons, helping develop practices that centre Indigenous perspectives in data custodianship and use.

Principal Supervisor:  A/Prof Kristen Smith