WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program

The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program is designed to engage and inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students about opportunities in science and STEM-related education and employment pathways.

Participating Year 9 and 10 students will build their knowledge of biomedical science through lab-based experiments and practical hands-on research activities.

The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program will be held from 4-6 August 2026.

The immersive three-day program provides First Nations students in Years 9-10 with scientist-led tours, activities and presentations to enhance their awareness of science education and career pathways. The program also introduces students to biomedical research practices and processes, fostering a deeper understanding of biomedical science.

Students will:

• Meet and interact with world leading scientists
• Explore the questions medical research is seeking to answer
• Become familiar with the use and function of key scientific equipment such as microscopes
• Learn about STEM-related work and study pathways
• Develop a peer network with students from across the country
• Gain first‑hand experience in WEHI’s laboratories
• Visit a university campus and learn more about university life

This is a fully funded program, with transportation, accommodation and meals provided at no cost to successful schools.

In 2025 students from across the country were immersed in the world of STEM with the return of the WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program.

The 2026 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program will be held from Tuesday 4 August to Thursday 6 August. Expressions of interest are now open. 

Expressions of Interest close on Friday 24 April 2026. Successful schools will be notified by Friday 8 May 2026.

If you would like to learn more about DeadlyScience programs and resources, please visit the DeadlyScience website.

We welcome enquiries about visits to WEHI from First Nations secondary students who are in Melbourne, whether local or visiting. To arrange a visit to WEHI, please contact pathways@wehi.edu.au

“The program is immersive and pitched in a way that deeply connects students with their experience. The activities also demystify science and STEM and make it a more viable career aspiration. We come from a rural area where science and working in STEM is quite abstract.”– Teacher, 2025 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program

“My students have gained so much from this opportunity. They have come away inspired to follow studies in science and potentially pursue university. Prior to this neither of the girls was intending to achieve an ATAR. This has literally changed their trajectory.” – Teacher, 2025 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program

“At the beginning of the program our students were curious but reserved, by the end of the program our students were confidently participating in science investigations, collaborating and communicating and articulated excitement about their learning experiences. One student commented that it’s so amazing to hear from such passionate people who love what they do.” – Teacher, 2025 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program

“Early exposure to science sparked my curiosity about the world’s biggest questions and my role in answering them. I’ve attended multiple university camps, with the WEHI camp standing out as I witnessed medical research led by Professor Misty Jenkins, who continues to inspire me. These experiences revealed the endless opportunities science offers young people. I am now studying a Bachelor of Science, working toward my dream of becoming a Pharmacist to support rural communities.” – Alumni student of the 2023 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program

If you have any further questions or queries, please contact us at pathways@wehi.edu.au.