Janet Kelly

Professor Janet Kelly is a nurse researcher and course coordinator at the University of Adelaide's Adelaide Nursing School, part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. She specializes in improving healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, focusing on culturally respectful participatory action research and health journey mapping tools. Her work addresses disparities in renal care, cardiac care, and other healthcare settings through collaborative projects like AKction2 (NHMRC Ideas Grant) and AKction1. She holds a PhD in Aboriginal women's health and a Master's in Nursing, with extensive experience in Aboriginal health research across urban and regional settings.

Key roles include co-leading AKction2 (2021–2026), which engages First Nations communities in kidney care improvement, and leading the Health Journey Mapping initiative (2020–2022). Her research outputs include patient journey tools, policy briefs, and culturally safe care guidelines endorsed at national levels. Collaborations involve organizations like Kidney Health Australia, SA Health, and the National Indigenous Kidney Transplantation Taskforce.

Professor Kelly's research focuses on participatory methods, cultural safety, and equity in healthcare. Her work has informed national policies and produced practical tools for clinicians and communities, emphasizing Indigenous-led solutions to health disparities. Current projects include expanding AKction2's impact and developing oral health interventions for Indigenous kidney patients.