Kim O'Donnell

Dr Kim O'Donnell is an NHMRC Externally Funded Research Fellow C at the Adelaide Nursing School, University of Adelaide. She is a Barkindji/Malyangapa woman specializing in public health research focused on improving health outcomes for Australia’s First Peoples. Her work emphasizes equitable partnerships between Indigenous communities and healthcare systems, addressing systemic barriers in funding and governance.

• Current affiliation: University of Adelaide (Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences)
• Pivotal roles: Senior Researcher in Indigenous health policy, Co-Lead of AKction projects
• Key focus areas: Aboriginal community-controlled health organizations, kidney care equity, constitutional reform advocacy

Research interests include funding accountability in Aboriginal health organizations, trust-building in healthcare partnerships, and translating research into culturally responsive practices. Her projects AKction1 and AKction2 aim to improve kidney care for Aboriginal populations through collaboration with renal services, health organizations, and communities.

Previously served as Chair of Mutawintji Local Land Council and co-led the RECOGNISE constitutional reform campaign. Co-facilitated land gazettal expansions for cultural preservation.

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD candidates as a co-supervisor.