Professor James Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, and a national leader in Indigenous health research. He is an infectious diseases epidemiologist, and his research has predominantly focused on the prevention and control of STIs, HIV and viral hepatitis in Indigenous communities. The outcomes of his research have been fundamental in shaping policy, clinical guidelines, and resourcing in Indigenous health. He maintains a research program with principles of equity, justice, fairness and building capabilities in Indigenous communities while simultaneously privileging and embedding Indigenous paradigms including enacting Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in his research.