Dr Mick Adams

Dr Mick Adams (Uncle Mick to most) is a descendant of the Yadhiagana/Wuthathi peoples of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, having traditional family ties with the Gurindji people of Central Western Northern Territory with extended family relationship with the people of the Torres Straits, Warlpiri (Yuendumu), and East Arnhem Land (Gurrumaru) communities.

Mick holds a PhD in Public Health from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Master of Arts (Indigenous Research & Development), Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University of Technology. Prior to undertaking his postgraduate studies he undertook at Bachelor of Social Work (James Cook University), a Bachelor of Applied Science (Aboriginal Community Management and Development) (Curtin), an Associate Diploma in Social Work and a Community Development Certificate (South Australia Institute of Technology).

Mick has been working in the health industry for over 30 years. He has worked in both government and the community-controlled health service sector, and has been nominated as a representative to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues on national and international boards and national and international conferences.

Mick holds a position as Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and also Kurongkurl Katitjin. His previous employment includes Research Fellow with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS); National Coordinator Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA), Queensland University of Technology, Chief Executive Officer with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, Brisbane (ATSICHS) in Brisbane and Miwatj Aboriginal Corporation for Health in Nhulunbuy.

He has previously served on multiple committees and boards as a chairperson and member. He is also a Founding and current Member of the International Network Indigenous Health Knowledge Development Committee (INIHKD) and held membership with the International Indigenous Centre Health Intelligence (IICHI).

Mick has recently received an Elders award from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council for his active participation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education. He has also has been recognised by his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peers by being awarded their 2006 Deadlys Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and by the Queensland University Technology by being awarded the 2010 Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumnus Award and the 2010 Faculty of Health Outstanding Alumnus Award.

His research portfolio encompasses male sexual and reproductive health, suicide, mental health, diabetes, family violence, cardiovascular disease, public health and Building Indigenous Research Capacity.

Mick is recognised for his active involvement in addressing issues associated with the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males for over a decade and striving to ensure that male health issues are promoted and placed on the national and international agenda through advocacy, research, publication and health management.