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.

“I would encourage other First Nations students to take part in the program, because it’s life-changing”
“…you come away with a lot of experience and knowledge about what you want to do in the future.”

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.