DeadlyScience grew from a love for science and fear of losing sophisticated scientific knowledge systems that First-Nations people have developed over millennia. We aim to show Indigenous children that STEM is in their blood, and instil in them a sense of pride at what their ancestors achieved as the world’s first scientists. We deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned STEM resources and learning programs that are grounded in cultural knowledge from mob all over Australia. We celebrate Indigenous knowledge in contemporary STEM education, creating culturally responsive learning environments that ignite interest, build cultural-connection, empower educators, and open career pathways.

DeadlyScience is fundamentally grounded in First Nations self-determination—we are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander founded, led, and directed. Founded in 2018 by Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt OAM, our governance structure ensures Indigenous leadership and cultural expertise at Board and executive levels. This isn't performative inclusion—it's genuine community ownership of solutions addressing community-identified needs.

Of our 9 Board members, 6 are First Nations peoples.
Of our 32 employees, 15 are First Nations peoples.

Our programs celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's First Scientists, recognising 65,000+ years of sophisticated knowledge systems encompassing astronomy, engineering, medicine, and environmental management. We practice two-way learning, integrating Indigenous Science Knowledge with Western STEM education rather than positioning them as separate or hierarchical. This approach affirms cultural identity whilst building contemporary career pathways, directly supporting self-determination through education equity.

We actively challenge deficit narratives about Indigenous students, instead highlighting systemic barriers preventing STEM participation - geographical isolation, under-resourced schools, lack of role models, and curricula that historically excluded Indigenous knowledge. Our work dismantles these barriers through targeted resource provision, culturally responsive pedagogy, and pathway programs connecting learners directly to tertiary education and employment.

We are also working towards improved, more diverse income models, towards financial sustainability through business development capacity to strengthen self-determination by reducing dependency on external funders. Building independent revenue streams will enable authentic community-led solutions, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices continue to lead the work, set priorities, and define success measures that matter to our communities.

Our Indigenous-led governance structure ensures community voice guides all strategic decisions, and we intend to keep it that way. Founder and CEO, Corey, holds deep connections with Indigenous communities nationwide. Elder knowledge-holders and Indigenous scientists inform our program design, ensuring authentic integration of Indigenous science-knowledge with contemporary STEM education.

DeadlyLabs which feeds into DeadlySTEM in Schools, for example, are co-designed with Community to address critical needs identified by Community (e.g. traditional soap kits to combat Rheumatic Heart Disease in Robinson River). Elders offer Indigenous knowledge and we align the lesson to curriculum. Lessons and resources are designed on Country, for our mob.

The Pathways expansion initiative responds directly to demonstrated community demand exceeding our current capacity. Schools with high Indigenous enrolments regularly request our programs, but we must decline due to funding limitations—the WEHI Pathways consistently receives more than 2x more EOIs than positions available. We are listening to our community and finding ways to increase our young people's ability to participate.

Educator feedback consistently highlights the value of sustainable, ongoing STEM support rather than one-off visits. Teachers report that students continue discussing DeadlyScience sessions months later, requesting "more Science like it."

We pride ourselves on cultural authenticity and Indigenous leadership.