Newy 87.8 FM – A new project at the Hunter Medical Research Institute is reimagining medical imaging research to make it feel safe, familiar and welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Deadly Images, four years in development, was founded by Dr Jennifer Rumbel and Dr Guy Cameron, both Indigenous Research Fellows at HMRI. Arriving in 2022, they recognised that very few young Aboriginal people were engaging with research, with the loud, enclosed and clinical MRI scanner part of the problem.
Working with members of the Wollotuka Institute from the University of Newcastle, the team developed cultural multimedia content to be played for young participants inside the scanner.
Each two-hour appointment begins with a yarn and a cup of tea before the 45-minute scan. Participants are supported throughout by Indigenous Imaging Fellow Lillian Langford, who accompanies young people and their carers into the machine.
Afterwards, participants are invited behind the console to see their own brain scans.
The name reflects the Aboriginal term "deadly", meaning awesome or great, a deliberately positive framing for a project built on consultation and co-design.
"If we're not a part of that work, then we're not going to be adequately represented when the research comes to translation," Dr Cameron said.
The project is now in its pilot phase, with its first cohort of participants already through. Early data and feedback will help shape what comes next.
Those who know a young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who might like to take part can contact the team.
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