WEHI’s DeadlyScience Pathways Program is helping First Nations students see a future for themselves in science.

Since launching in 2023, the program has continued to grow in reach and impact. This year saw record expressions of interest from across Australia, as well as the participation of the first school from Tasmania, Port Dalrymple.

Now in its fourth year, the program continues to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with scientists, students and industry professionals, helping them explore future education and career opportunities while celebrating culture and connection.

Delivered in partnership with Australia’s leading Indigenous STEM charity, DeadlyScience, the 2026 program provided students with a unique opportunity to experience science firsthand through hands-on learning and laboratory activities across Melbourne’s biomedical precinct.

Highlights included stops at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Centre of Dynamic Imaging, Murrup Barak at Melbourne University and the Gene Technology Access Centre.

Students also toured WEHI’s state-of-the-art facilities, met researchers, took part in practical scientific activities and learned about the many pathways available in medical research.

This year’s program saw 27 students participate from six schools in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

As the program grows, so too does its impact.

Founder and CEO of DeadlyScience, Associate Professor Corey Tutt OAM, said the program was beginning to show the impact that can come from creating meaningful pathways into STEM.

“One of the most rewarding outcomes of the DeadlyScience Pathways Program is seeing the lasting impact it is having on young people,” Assoc Prof Tutt said.

“We’ve seen students who walked through WEHI’s doors unsure of what came next after school and leave with a completely different view of what’s possible.

“Some of these students had never considered STEM as a future pathway but the DeadlyScience Pathways Program opened their horizions. Now some of those same students are studying science at university.

“That’s the power of access, representation and opportunity.

“Together with WEHI, we’re showing First Nations students that they belong in these spaces and have an important role to play in shaping the future of science.”

The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program is a key initiative supporting WEHI’s commitment to reconciliation and increasing First Nations participation in STEM.

As demand for the program continues to grow, philanthropic support is essential to ensuring more students can access these life-changing opportunities.

With record interest in the program, philanthropic investment will help WEHI and DeadlyScience reach more students and create future pathways into science, research and innovation.