The national health and medical research council road map: A strategic framework for improving aboriginal and torres strait islander health through research

There are significant disparities in health status between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians across the life cycle, including lower birthweight, higher death rates, lower life expectancy, and a much higher incidence of a range of illnesses that affect social and emotional wellbeing. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research. It is also responsible for developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and government, and advising on ethical behaviour both in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research. The role of the NHMRC in the Australian Government's strategic framework for improving the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples includes: "¢ developing culturally appropriate health advice and guidelines; "¢ funding research to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; "¢ providing information on the ethical considerations that arise in research; "¢ supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in participating in research capacity building; and "¢ commissioning health and medical research in priority areas.