Adelaide's Flinders University has joined a seven-year research partnership designed to improve Aboriginal health across Australia.

The new Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health has been launched today.

The centre's chief executive, Professor Tony Barnes, says researchers will work in Aboriginal communities and laboratories, researching treatments for diseases and conditions, as well as the effectiveness of existing health services.

Professor Barnes says the project is designed to influence all policies and practices relating to Aboriginal health.

"Mindsets, the way practitioners go about their work, the knowledge and understanding that community people have, but ultimately it may involve legislative changes or resource allocation changes by governments," he said.

"They're all valid areas to try and influence."