“Shame job”: the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genomics and precision medicine

The underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genomics and precision medicine research is a critical oversight with profound implications for health equity. This commentary examines the neglect of prospective recruitment of Indigenous participants in genomics research and its impact on the health disparity gap. It argues that this exclusion perpetuates Eurocentric biases in health care, limiting the potential of precision medicine to benefit all populations equitably. Addressing these gaps requires systemic changes that prioritise Indigenous leadership, culturally safe methodologies, and meaningful community engagement. By embedding Indigenous governance and perspectives into genomics research, we can ensure that precision medicine serves as a tool for reducing health disparities, rather than perpetuating them.

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Publication Details

Journal
AlterNative An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples
Published
2026-01-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/11771801251404815
Primary Topic
Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

“Shame job”: the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genomics and precision medicine

Candace Angelo, Martin J. Smith
AlterNative An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
article

“Shame job”: the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genomics and precision medicine

Candace Angelo, Martin J. Smith
article en

Abstract

The underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in genomics and precision medicine research is a critical oversight with profound implications for health equity. This commentary examines the neglect of prospective recruitment of Indigenous participants in genomics research and its impact on the health disparity gap. It argues that this exclusion perpetuates Eurocentric biases in health care, limiting the potential of precision medicine to benefit all populations equitably. Addressing these gaps requires systemic changes that prioritise Indigenous leadership, culturally safe methodologies, and meaningful community engagement. By embedding Indigenous governance and perspectives into genomics research, we can ensure that precision medicine serves as a tool for reducing health disparities, rather than perpetuating them.

AlterNative An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples
The University of Sydney (AU), UNSW Sydney (AU)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
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