Looking for links between Indigenous entrepreneurs in Europe and the Pacific Rim is at the centre of unique research by an award-winning University of Newcastle academic.

Distinguished Indigenous researcher, Professor Dennis Foley, will travel to Ireland in mid-2011 to work with colleagues based at the Institute for Minority Entrepreneurship within the Dublin Institute of Technology to conduct research with the native Irish community known as the 'Travellers'.

The Travellers are the traditionally nomadic people of Irish origin who share a common ancestry, language and culture including a tradition of self-employment. They reside predominately in Ireland, but also across Great Britain and in the United States of America.

“Their marginal position in Ireland is akin to that of Roma and Gypsies in the European Union and Aboriginal Australians who likewise fare poorly on every indicator used to measure disadvantage,” Professor Foley said.

“Indigenous people were some of the most entrepreneurial in the world before colonisation. They were involved in international trade and had organised methods to manage their land assets and natural resources.

“The research will look into challenges facing Travellers, new initiatives being developed to remedy the problems uncovered, and ways these remedies can bring about real economic opportunities to enable them to maximise their economic and social potential.”

Professor Dennis Foley will conduct his research in Ireland as part of the Australian Government‟s Endeavour Awards for Indigenous Australians, an internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for Australian scholars to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and overseas.

Interview opportunity: Professor Dennis Foley is available for interview by telephoning 0408 686 457. A high-resolution image of Professor Foley is attached.