Publishing policies

What, why and how we publish

All of our activities are informed by the principle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander control of, and meaningful engagement in, the research process. We believe in prioritising, developing and disseminating research in targeted ways that will reach our key audiences through a diverse range of communications including publications, newsletters, organisational website, media, social media and stakeholder engagement.

Since 1997 we have developed a publishing program—now known as Lowitja Publishing—that offers a range of publishing formats and methodlolgies and facilitates

• the publication of high quality, professionally produced material, that closely reflects the goals and values of project teams in terms of content, timelines, and cultural values
• the targeted dissemination of publications to key audiences through a diverse range of communications channels in multiple formats
• publishing opportunities for researchers not on traditional academic career pathways, and
• the development of writing, editing, and production skills among project teams.

We publish:

• Project reports made available in downloadable PDF format alone, or PDF and hard copy
• Community reports that report back to communities on the knowledge they have shared with our research projects
• Summary reports, generally in 4-page full colour format
• Case studies
• Practical tools, including guides for researchers and supervisors, flipcharts, web tools
• Fact sheets
• Policy briefs
• We have also published larger works such as conference proceedings and long format books.

Following a project establishment process during which the nature of the publication, its budget, branding and distribution are established, manuscripts are reviewed (if required) then rigorously edited, copy edited and produced using professional designers and printers. As each project is individual, if you need more information, please contact the Communications Manager (cristina.lochert@lowitja.org.au).

Guides

• The Lowitja Institute Publications Style Guide
• Guidelines for Reviewers