Prof. James Charles

Professor James Charles (BPod, MthSci (Pod), PhD) is a proud Kaurna man from Adelaide Plains, South Australia, currently serving as Director of the First Peoples Health Unit at Griffith University. As one of the first Aboriginal podiatrists in Australia, he holds the distinction of being the first to achieve a Master of Podiatry and a PhD in Aboriginal foot health. Dr. Charles has contributed extensively to Aboriginal health, offering clinical podiatry services across urban, rural, and remote communities nationwide. He chaired Indigenous Allied Health Australia (2009–2010) and represented on the national “Close the Gap” committee (2008–2009). In recognition of his contributions, he received the national NAIDOC “Scholar of the Year” award in 2017, the Alumni Accolade Award from the University of South Australia in 2018, and the outstanding Alumni Achiever Award from the University of Newcastle in 2019. Additionally, he received a UNESCO achievement award for scientific education in 2019. His impactful research in Aboriginal health is evidenced by numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.