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Sam Ludwig’s PhD Journey: A Milestone for Indigenous Australian Research
Home Sam Ludwig’s PhD Journey: A Milestone for Indigenous Australian Research
25 August 2025
5 minute read

At Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (RTO 0383), located on Kungarakan and Warai Country in Batchelor, with campuses on Arrernte Country in Alice Springs and Larrakia Country at CDU, we honour Traditional Custodians and champion our “Both Ways” philosophy, blending Indigenous knowledge with Western academic systems to deliver education that liberates our way. Today, we celebrate a powerful good news story about PhD candidate Ms Sam Ludwig, a Kungarakan and Gurindji woman, who is nearing completion of her doctoral thesis, We Don’t Use the C Word Here: Northern Territory First Nations Peoples Experiences of Cancer.

If you’re searching for “Indigenous PhD programs Australia,” “First Nations research NT,” or “Batchelor Institute success stories,” this story showcases the impact of culturally grounded research. Read on to explore Sam’s milestone, its significance, and how Batchelor Institute empowers Indigenous Australian scholars.

What Happened?

On 14 July 2025, Batchelor Institute’s Graduate School hosted Sam Ludwig’s Completion Seminar at our Batchelor Campus on Kungarakan and Warai Country. This event marked the first of a new initiative, serving two key purposes: confirming consent from cultural collaborators for Sam’s research and ensuring her work meets the academic standards for examination. Sam delivered a compelling hour-long presentation on her thesis, which explores Northern Territory First Nations peoples’ experiences of cancer, to an audience of staff, guests, and academics, both in-person and online from across Australia.

Who Was Involved?

Sam Ludwig, a proud Kungarakan and Gurindji woman, led the seminar, sharing her research with deep cultural significance. “Being able to hold the Final Seminar on my Country (shared with Warai) was very important to me,” Sam said. “Showcasing the outcomes of my doctoral studies to my Kungarakan family, friends, and the academic community of Batchelor Institute from Country was a powerful statement of pursuing research from a place of cultural strength and of addressing issues of importance to us”.

Hosting this Seminar at Batchelor Campus was a team effort. Professor Kathryn Gilbey, Dr Judith Lovell and Dr Wendy Ludwig acted as the Seminar’s expert panel.  HERD staff coordinated the day as well as travel for Sam and her supervisor, Adjunct Professor Lorraine Muller, while other supervisors joined virtually. Brian Lena ably managed IT on the day ensuring that everything went smoothly on campus and everyone could connect from throughout Australia.

Once awarded her PhD, Sam will become the second Kungarakan person to earn a doctorate from Batchelor Institute and the fourth Dr Ludwig in her family, following Dr Wendy Ludwig, Dr Courtney Ludwig (veterinarian), and Dr Madison Ludwig (medical doctor). The seminar was facilitated by Brian Lena, with a panel of experts including Professor Kathryn Gilbey, Dr Judith Lovell, and Dr Wendy Ludwig. The Graduate School coordinated travel for Sam and her supervisor, Adjunct Professor Lorraine Muller, while other supervisors joined virtually.

When and Where?

The seminar took place on 14 July 2025 at Batchelor Campus, with virtual participation enabling a national audience. Holding the event on Kungarakan and Warai Country was deeply meaningful for Sam, who noted, “I did my Confirmation of Candidature at Batchelor Campus, and doing the Completion Seminar at Batchelor was an important moment in my research journey”.

How Was It Achieved?

Sam’s journey reflects years of dedication, guided by Batchelor’s “Both Ways” philosophy, which integrates cultural strength with academic rigour. Her research tackles a critical issue—First Nations experiences of cancer—through a culturally responsive lens. The Completion Seminar, held one to three months before thesis submission, verified consent from cultural collaborators, ensuring adherence to Indigenous research ethics. The Graduate School’s innovative seminar process, supported by logistical coordination for travel and online access, created a platform for Sam to share her findings. The event’s success stemmed from collaboration with supervisors, the panel, and the Batchelor community, building on Sam’s earlier Confirmation of Candidature at the same campus.

Impact of Sam’s Achievement

Sam’s work amplifies Indigenous Australian voices in health research, addressing a vital community issue. By presenting on her Country, she strengthened ties between academia and community, demonstrating how place-based research can drive change. Her milestone inspires other Indigenous students, showing that cultural identity and academic excellence are intertwined, and contributes to better health outcomes and policy for First Nations peoples.

Background and Context

Batchelor Institute, established under the 1999 BIITE Act, is Australia’s oldest First Nations dual-sector tertiary provider, offering VET and higher education across Batchelor, Alice Springs, and CDU Casuarina. From its origins in the 1960s as an annexe of Kormilda College, Batchelor has grown into a national institute dedicated to truth-telling and community-driven education. Sam’s research continues this legacy, following successes like the Finke Graduation and ExtravaGAMBA Forum, which highlight our commitment to student achievement and partnerships.

Future Prospects

Sam is on track to graduate at the June 2026 Batchelor Institute ceremony, marking a historic moment for Kungarakan scholars. Her research could shape future health initiatives and community programs in the NT.  Batchelor will continue supporting Indigenous scholars through initiatives like Completion Seminars, with plans to expand Graduate School outreach, potentially via online platforms, to connect with more remote students.

Join Us in Celebrating Indigenous Excellence

Sam Ludwig’s journey embodies the power of education rooted in cultural strength. Have a success story to share or want to explore our programs? Email stories@batchelor.edu.au with your story, photos, and privacy agreements.