Friday 24 July 2026, 11.30 am – 12.30 pm. (light lunch provided from 12.30 pm)
Dr Tracey Steinrucken from CSIRO presenting a Peer-led Learning Seminar on her experiences in project co-design, research ethics, cultural sensitivity, and reciprocity, when working to co-develop projects in biosecurity, combining Western science and Indigenous knowledge.
This is a complement to the AIATSIS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning and Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research online learning provided by UQ.
Please register your interest in attending the event in-person.
Dr Tracey Steinrucken
As part of her role as a plant pathologist with CSIRO's Biosecurity program, Tracey Steinrucken has been working with Indigenous rangers and communities across multiple projects in the plant health space. Her two main projects centre on environmental biosecurity capability development in National Parks; and supporting transitions to area-wide integrated pest management (IPM) in horticulture. Both projects have taken her to beautiful places in QLD and NSW in the effort to combine western science and traditional knowledge by co-developing approaches in biosecurity, and ensuring cultural respect and reciprocity are front-of-mind.
CSIRO has a very robust, and constantly evolving, framework for dealing with human research ethics, ICIP, and Indigenous knowledge. With that in mind, the most important thing Tracey's learnt (spoiler alert!), is that every interaction/project/group/contract is different. This presentation is from someone who would not claim to be an expert - in anything - but is happy to share what she's learned from her projects, the people she's consulted with, the hurdles she's had to navigate, and some of the training she's had.
Bio Over the past 15 years, Tracey has raised biosecurity awareness across sectors, working with growers, councils, industry and practitioners. Her experience spans traditional plant pathology, weed biocontrol, airborne eDNA surveillance, and area-wide IPM in horticulture, with a focus on preparedness in orchards and protected cropping. More recently, she has managed projects to co-design biosecurity strategies and training opportunities with Indigenous Rangers in National Parks. Tracey is passionate about translating science into practical tools to enhance preparedness.
Contacts:
Kerry Russell, Senior Manager, Indigenous Engagement: k.russell@uq.edu.au
Janet Reid, Principal Business Development Coordinator: janet.reid@uq.edu.au