Assoc Professor (in practice) Azure Hermes is the Deputy Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at the Australian National University. She is from the Gimuy WalubaraYidinji people, traditional custodians of the Cairns area in Queensland. Azure is also NCIG’s Community Engagement Coordinator responsible for engaging with Indigenous community leaders, senior custodians, and community individuals and families. In this role Azure communicates the story of the NCIG Collection and facilitates processes of consent in accordance with NCIG’s ethical oversight and majority-Indigenous governance. Azure has developed an interest in, and understanding of, complex scientific concepts and values cultural approaches to decision-making practices.  

Whilst Azure has long enjoyed work at a grass roots level, her ability to build trusted relationships, and her cultural experience and ethical engagement knowledge has propelled her in new directions. Azure sits on Indigenous Advisory committees including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Genomics Health committee and AGHA’s McKenzie’s Mission Advisory Committee. 

Azure has successfully published on community engagement strategies and health genomic research. She has presented at national and international conferences, and has been invited to brief the Parliament of Australia’s Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs on best practice Genomic health research in Indigenous Communities.