Brett Biles

Associate Professor Brett Biles is a Murrawarri man originally from Brewarrina who serves as the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and Research at the University of New South Wales. With 15 years of dedicated service in Indigenous health and wellbeing, he previously held pivotal roles including the inaugural Associate Dean Indigenous of the Faculty of Medicine and Health and the inaugural Director of Indigenous Health Education.

Educational Background:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Charles Sturt University
• Master of Indigenous Health (with distinction), University of Wollongong
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy, University of Sydney

Professor Biles' research centers on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health with particular expertise in cardiovascular health, qualitative methodology, and health systems. His work bridges Indigenous knowledge systems with Western scientific approaches to develop culturally responsive health interventions and policies that address systemic health disparities. He has pioneered initiatives to integrate Indigenous perspectives into mainstream medical education and clinical practice.

As a Chief Investigator on multiple Australian Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund projects, Professor Biles leads significant research initiatives focused on Indigenous health and wellbeing. His current grant portfolio demonstrates his commitment to evidence-based approaches that honor cultural traditions while improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Current Research Funding:

• 2023 - Chief Investigator B, NHMRC Medical Research Future Fund ($2.9M): "Gaawaadhi Gadudha" implementation trial of Aboriginal cultural health and traditional healing
• 2023 - Chief Investigator B, Western Sydney Local Health District ($28.3K): "Young, Strong and Deadly Project"
• 2023 - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ($31.8K): Indigenous physical activity and social-emotional wellbeing review
• 2021 - Chief Investigator C, NHMRC Medical Research Future Fund ($560K): Research on cultural resilience impacts on Aboriginal health