Personal profile
Research Biography
Associate Professor Karla Canuto is a Torres Strait Islander, descendent of the Naghir Tribe of the Kulkagul Clan. Karla has over 20 years’ experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health/ health research. Karla's qualifications include a Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science (JCU), a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion (Uni Syd) and a PhD (UniSA) conferred in 2013. Karla has experience across a wide range of research projects all focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Research topics include cancer screening, chronic disease prevention, cardiac rehab, mums and bubs and the promotion of physical activity and nutrition. She is also passionate about building the capacity and capabilities of researchers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, in particular, growing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, University of South Australia
Award Date: 15 Aug 2013
Supervision
- Registered
Research Areas
- Rural and remote health
- Indigenous studies
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions -
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
-
Drawing strength: evaluating the Tidda Talk programme through comparative body mapping with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
English, M., Canuto, K., Manton, D., Schulenkorf, N., Evans, J. R., Rosenbaum, S., Curry, C., Fricker, C., Wilson, J. & Caperchione, C. M., 2026, In: Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. 18, 1, p. 53-72 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)16 Downloads (Pure) -
Evaluating the Tidda Talk Program: A Culturally Relevant Approach to Assessing Social and Emotional Wellbeing in Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women
English, M., Canuto, K., Manton, D., Fricker, C., Wilson, J. & Caperchione, C. M., Apr 2026, In: Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 37, 2, 10 p., e70154.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
A qualitative evaluation of the Enough Talk, Time for Action male health and wellbeing program: a primary health care engagement strategy designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males
Canuto, K., Gaweda, C., Kennedy, C., Clinch, D., Brickley, B., Black, O., Neate, R., Canuto, K. J., Stokes, C., Ah Mat, G. & Towers, K., 16 Sept 2025, In: Australian Journal of Primary Health. 31, 5, 11 p., PY25070.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Cultural Adaptation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Maternal and Child mHealth Intervention: Protocol for a Co-Design and Adaptation Research Study
Ishaque, S., Ela, O., Rissel, C., Canuto, K., Hall, K., Bidargaddi, N., Briley, A., Roberts, C. T., Perkes, S. J., Dowling, A. & Bonevski, B., 10 Jan 2025, In: JMIR Research Protocols. 14, 7 p., e53748.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile22 Downloads (Pure) -
Embedding culture in co-designed chronic disease programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Macniven, R. & Canuto, K. J., 3 Mar 2025, In: Medical Journal of Australia. 222, 4, p. 181-182 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial
Open Access
-
Blueprint for an Active Australia (4th Edition)
Canuto, K. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead))
Project: Research
-
National First Nations Research Network
Garvey, G. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead)), Brown, A. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead)), Eades, S. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead)), Mohamed, J. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead)) & Canuto, K. (Chief Investigator (Project Lead))
1/01/21 → 31/12/25
Project: Research
Prizes
-
Reconciliation Award
Harkin, N. (Recipient), Canuto, K. (Recipient), Murakami-Gold, L. (Recipient) & Beaudry, J. (Recipient), Nov 2023
Prize: Honorary award