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Collaborating for change: WEHI and DeadlyScience empower future scientists  

24 October 2024
Student in lab

WEHI’s DeadlyScience Pathways Program is back and bigger than ever, welcoming 24 First Nations students from across Australia.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, students have been welcomed to WEHI to be fully immersed in exploring the possibilities of pursuing a career or education in science.

At a glance
The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program reached full capacity this year, with 24 First Nations students embarked on a series of activities and tours designed to showcase the opportunities available in a STEM career or education.
The popular program received double the expressions of interest following last year’s successful three-day biomedical immersive experience.
Fostering the next generation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists is an integral part of WEHI’s deep commitment to broadening and strengthening reconciliation.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists

WEHI’s partnership with DeadlyScience aims to pave the way for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists.

DeadlyScience is a not-for-profit organisation providing STEM resources and learning experiences to regional and remote schools in Australia, connecting young Indigenous people with professionals.

Students from new and returning schools in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria travelled to WEHI to tour the state-of-the-art facilities, hear from our remarkable scientists, explore the surrounding Parkville biomedical precinct and engage in hands-on learning.

The three-day inaugural program was a huge success last year, with students calling it a “real big eye-opener” and “life changing”.

WEHI Professor Misty Jenkins AO, who ran one of the segments last year, said: “I am honoured to step into the role of a DeadlyScience Ambassador, committed to inspiring the next generation of Indigenous scientists.

“Science is not just about discovery – it’s about representation, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for all voices to be heard.

“Together, we will make sure that the stories and knowledge of our communities are part of the future of science.”

The program commenced with Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
The DeadlyScience Pathways Students undertook activities in the WEHI labs

Journey into STEM careers

The pathways program offers students a gateway to explore what life could be like pursuing a career or education in STEM, while also celebrating their heritage.

The students were welcomed onto the Parkville campus with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. They engaged in a variety of practical, immersive activities, including examining eucalyptus leaf samples from their communities under microscopes, studying the oil glands and discussing their role in fuelling bushfires.

This year, participants also met WEHI CareerTrackers students, who are part of a program that gives First Nations students 12 weeks paid internship with employers, and heard firsthand about their experiences.

Students explored the Parkville biomedical precinct, visiting Science Gallery Melbourne for the Sci-Fi Interactive Tour. They joined a workshop on the crucial role fire has played in the history and development of Country for First Nations people. Through activities with plant materials, research data, and tools like fire drills, students analysed Indigenous fire practices and fire ecology.

The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program is one of the key commitments to be delivered under WEHI’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

WEHI strives to build meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, create a culturally safe workplace, provide education and employment opportunities and ensure our research contributes to delivering better health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

DeadlyScience Pathways Program students participating in lab activities
The program included a tour of The University of Melbourne
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