Jaquelyne Hughes

Professor Jaquelyne Hughes (Wagadagam and Panay) is a Torres Strait Islander nephrologist and clinical researcher at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. Based at Royal Darwin Hospital, she leads groundbreaking initiatives in Indigenous health advancement, including the eGFR3 Study on chronic kidney disease progression and the Live Strong project for dialysis care innovation. Her work integrates cultural safety with clinical systems reform.

• BMed (Bachelor of Medicine)
• FRACP (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians)
• PhD (Doctorate in Chronic Kidney Disease Research)

Hughes' research focuses on chronic disease management, rural healthcare systems, and ethical Indigenous research frameworks. She applies mixed-methods studies to improve kidney health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals for health equity and reduced inequalities. Recent publications analyze human research ethics processes and HIV PrEP-related renal risks.

Her scientific accolades span national recognitions like the NHMRC Research Excellence Award to community-focused honors such as the Lowitja Institute Cranlana Award. As Deputy Chair of the National Indigenous Kidney Transplant Taskforce and leader of the Kikirriu Dan Walmai project, she drives systemic changes in Indigenous health policy and service delivery.

Hughes collaborates with multidisciplinary teams including nephrologists, Indigenous elders, and policy experts across the NT and Torres Strait. Key projects involve community-governed chronic disease prevention and culturally adapted dialysis programs. Her work emphasizes Indigenous leadership in research governance and healthcare innovation.