DeadlyScience Pathways® Program

The DeadlyScience Pathways® program provides STEM career-based opportunities to create pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners in STEM fields.

“The most valuable experience for me was learning about the range of careers available on the STEM field. I enjoyed the forensics activity the most. The camp made me feel like I’m more capable in certain STEM fields. The biggest takeaway from this experience was how broad the STEM field really is and the range of careers available, particularly to first nations students.”  

The 2025 Program will be based in Melbourne and will once again feature a three-day biomedical science immersion experience run from 5 August-7 August 2025 at WEHI’s Parkville campus. The Program is designed to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9-10 in science and STEM related education and employment pathways, and as part of the Program students will participate in a wide range of activities and hear from some of the world’s top scientists and key innovators from across the country. 

The program is FREE for participating First Nations students and schools, and WEHI will provide support for those travelling from interstate, or from regional and remote Victoria.  Expressions of interest open soon so keep in touch to be notified. 

For more information on the DeadlyScience Pathways WEHI partnership and project, contact us  at pathways@wehi.edu.au 

“This program made me see that all kinds of people with different abilities and likes can find a suitable career. The camp provided me with ways I can secure myself a future STEM career. The hands on activities made STEM more relevant in my life. The instructors were very friendly and patient, and made engagement fun.” 

Who is it for?

The WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program is designed to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students in years 9 & 10 opportunities in science and STEM-related education and employment pathways through a three-day immersive experience at WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research). The immersion experience will provide Indigenous students with a range of tours, activities and presentations from scientists and other WEHI and DeadlyScience staff to increase overall knowledge, awareness, engagement and understanding of pathways into science education and employment, as well as biomedical research practices and processes.

The Opportunity

The Program invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students to take part in a three-day immersive experience at WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research).

The immersion experience will provide Indigenous students with a range of tours, activities, and presentations from scientists and other WEHI and DeadlyScience staff to increase overall knowledge, awareness, engagement and understanding of pathways into science education and employment, as well as biomedical research practices and processes.

Overview

Under this partnership, WEHI and DeadlyScience will work to co-design and deliver science-based programs and activities for First Nations school students. Support will also be sought to help fund partnership activities, including a new STEM project aimed at embedding and expanding initiatives at WEHI to build a pipeline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across different levels and entry points.

This will be achieved through:

  • Increased number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities engaged in WEHI operations and projects and events.
  • Engagement and awareness amongst year 9 & 10 students participating in DeadlyScience Pathways, and increased knowledge of biomedical science research, education and employment and alternative pathways in STEM.
  • Increased collective efficacy regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support from internal stakeholders and stakeholder groups, and opportunities for support.
  • Increased opportunities for study and employment within WEHI for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information on the DeadlyScience Pathways WEHI partnership and project, contact us here