Research and innovation
Advancing Indigenous research
Arizona State University advances Indigenous research and innovation rooted in respect for Tribal sovereignty, community partnership and ethical engagement.
Indigenous research spans governance, law, digital sovereignty, education, infrastructure, sustainability, health equity and data stewardship — guided by research integrity, coordination, accountability and rigorous oversight.
Research grounded in sovereignty
Research involving Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities is conducted in alignment with the Arizona Board of Regents Tribal Consultation Policy (ABOR 1-118), applicable federal law and Tribal governance protocols.
ASU recognizes Tribal Nations as sovereign governments and Indigenous knowledge systems as living intellectual and cultural traditions. Research engagement requires consultation, transparency, shared responsibility and cultural considerations.
Research practices may include:
- Government-to-government consultation
- Data governance and ownership agreements
- Cultural and intellectual property protections
- Community-informed research design
- Long-term relationship stewardship
American Indian Policy Institute
The American Indian Policy Institute, housed within ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, advances research and policy innovation that strengthens Tribal sovereignty and governance.
AIPI works in partnership with Tribal governments and national Indigenous organizations to examine emerging policy trends, elevate Indigenous-led democratic practices and support institutional collaboration grounded in self-determination.
Through research, leadership development and national convenings, AIPI supports Tribal Nations in shaping their own futures.
Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty
Launched by AIPI in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is the first national center dedicated to supporting Tribal governments in establishing digital sovereignty strategies.
The center provides research, policy guidance and technical resources to help Tribal Nations strengthen data governance, infrastructure planning and economic self-determination in an increasingly digital landscape.
AIPI also convenes the nationally recognized Indigenous Leadership Academy, a leadership development initiative serving Tribal leaders across the United States.
Indigenous data and bioethics innovation
ASU faculty collaborate with Tribal-led initiatives such as the Native BioData Consortium to advance research models grounded in Indigenous data sovereignty, genomic justice and community-controlled science.
These partnerships reflect evolving standards in ethical research, consent and Indigenous-led innovation.
ASU also convenes the annual Doing Research in Indigenous Communities Conference, bringing together Tribal leaders, researchers, students and educators to explore sovereignty-centered research collaboration and the integration of technology with Indigenous knowledge systems.
Food sovereignty and sustainable systems
ASU research advances Indigenous foodways and community-based food sovereignty initiatives that strengthen health, environmental stewardship and economic resilience.
Enhancing Hawaiʻi’s Food Security through Aquaculture
In partnership with Native Hawaiian communities, ASU researchers are leading a USDA-AMS funded project, Enhancing Hawaiʻi’s Food Security through Aquaculture, to examine market and supply chain needs for Hawaiʻi-grown seafood.
The project explores the potential of traditional community-based systems, such as loko iʻa fishponds, alongside commercial aquaculture producers to support local food security and sustainable seafood production.
Research efforts include:
- Assessing market potential for locally cultivated species
- Identifying supply chain gaps and infrastructure needs
- Evaluating community-based distribution models
- Studying consumer preferences to strengthen local markets
This work reflects ASU’s commitment to Indigenous-led innovation and place-based sustainability.
Research transparency and data tools
ASU maintains research tracking tools that promote visibility, coordination and responsible engagement in Indigenous research.
These resources support transparency while reinforcing the importance of consultation, ethical governance and community partnership.
ASU Indigenous Research Database
The ASU Indigenous Research Database is a searchable platform cataloging research awards that include Tribal partnerships and Indigenous-related research activity across the university.
Users can filter by:
For specific information about a research award or faculty expertise, please contact Indigenous Research
Project status
Start and end dates
Award amount
Cultural engagement and community connection
Indigenous Health Research Dashboard
The Indigenous Health Research Dashboard is an online platform highlighting published research focused on diseases and conditions that significantly impact Indigenous communities.
The dashboard:
- Curates contemporary research (2000–present)
- Updates regularly
- Allows users to explore research trends
- Provides access to publications and data summaries
This resource supports health equity, responsible collaboration and informed dialogue among researchers, Tribal leaders and community members.
Research support
ASU offers comprehensive support to researchers at every stage of the research lifecycle — from developing ideas and identifying funding opportunities to communicating and commercializing results.
Support resources include:
Publications and policy resources
ASU-affiliated centers and faculty regularly produce research, policy analysis and public scholarships that inform Tribal Nations, policymakers and community leaders.
Publications and reports are housed within their respective colleges, research centers and institutes.
Engage with us
Get in touch to request a meeting or consultation, discuss research and partnership opportunities, invite ASU to your community, connect with university leadership, or share your questions or feedback.