Experts from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) participated in a panel discussion at the 4th annual Natural Products Futures Forum held in Ballina in late October. Environmental chemist Brett Rowling and Dr Debashish Mazumder, the leader of Food Origin research, presented their insights at the event, which is organized by Southern Cross University”s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine.
The forum aims to bridge global research in Indigenous traditions with health research and policy development, involving partnerships among universities, industry, and government. During the discussion, Brett elaborated on his innovative concept titled “Discovery and Understanding of Country,” which invites attendees to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, customs, and laws. He demonstrated how his ongoing research seeks to integrate Indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific methodologies to develop sustainable solutions for present-day challenges.
“Outreach is a crucial aspect of fostering collaborations within the natural products sector, particularly for traditional bush products, which stand to gain significantly,” Brett remarked.
Dr. Mazumder emphasized the transformative potential of ANSTO”s cutting-edge technology in authenticating food origins. He noted that this technology could greatly enhance traceability and biosecurity in the food industry. “Our rigorously tested innovative technology applied to native bush food has the ability to combat fraud and assist the industry in maintaining its reputation and brand integrity,” he explained. His work also underscores the importance of community-driven projects that return data to Indigenous communities, thereby safeguarding their cultural and intellectual property.
These efforts are part of a broader collaborative research initiative aimed at exemplifying “best research practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.” This project is led by Dr Alana Gall, a senior researcher in First Nations Medicine at Southern Cross University. The project has been aptly named in her language “Tunapri Ngini, Tunapri Rrala,” which translates to “Old knowledge, strong knowledge.” In Brett”s words, this can be summarized as “manauoomillyan,” meaning “taking care of country.”
