This funding will boost support for girls at 50 regional and remote schools to learn about Aboriginal scientific knowledge and STEM pathways, encouraging future STEM careers in a field where women are significantly underrepresented.

According to the 2025 STEM Equity Monitor Data Report, only 15 per cent of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women, and 23 per cent of senior management and 8 per cent of CEOs in STEM-qualified industries are women.

Aboriginal people are less likely to hold university STEM qualifications. Only 1 per cent of University enrolments were Aboriginal people in 2023, and only 2 per cent of Aboriginal people working in STEM-qualified occupations in 2021-2022.

The NSW Government is working to create educational pathways in STEM for young girls.

Starting Term 4 2026, DeadlyScience workshops will run in 16 regional schools in the Central and Far West of New South Wales. The remaining schools to participate in the program will be determined by the end of the year, with workshops scheduled for Terms 1 and 2, 2027.

The program is aimed at students from kindergarten to year 9, with a focus on years 4 and 9.

This expansion follows a successful pilot in October 2025 and March 2026 which saw DeadlyScience deliver 12 programs at six schools in regional New South Wales, where over 300 students attended.

Results from the pilot showed that the DeadlyScience activities spotlighted the role of Aboriginal knowledge and women’s leadership in STEM, with almost half of the students expressing interest in continued STEM learning.

Learn more about DeadlyScience:  https://deadlyscience.org.au/

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“To be it you first have to see it and DeadlyScience is a fantastic initiative that opens up a world of possibilities in STEM for Aboriginal girls in regional and remote communities across our state.

“This program harnesses the power of Aboriginal knowledge and leadership by employing First Nations teachers to spark girls off on a STEM pathway by using relevant and accessible ways of teaching to help close the gap.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women are significantly underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and maths. The NSW Government is working to encourage more girls into STEM while in school, through higher education and eventually the workforce.

“The pipeline starts early. That is why this investment into DeadlyScience, as a way to make STEM interesting and accessible, is important. We want to ignite a passion for STEM in young Aboriginal girls and see our next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators thrive.

“The Minns Government is working hard to encourage women and girls into STEM pathways, to boost their participation in these traditionally male sectors. It’s part of our ongoing work to increase gender equality, to expand the skilled workforce pipeline and grow our economy.”

Corey Tutt OAM, CEO and Founder of DeadlyScience said:

“This is the most significant government investment Deadly Science has received, and it represents a transformative moment for our organisation.

“Through the support of the NSW Government, we're able to employ two First Nations women who will take STEM education into schools and communities while ensuring our programs continue to reflect the richness of Indigenous knowledge.

“Empowering First Nations women to lead STEM education isn't just good for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students – it's good for every student.”

Jessica Tapp, Director of DeadlyScience:

"This investment from the NSW Government is about more than funding programs – it's about backing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to lead, educate and inspire the next generation.

“Seeing First Nations women at the forefront of STEM education creates powerful role models for young people across New South Wales and helps ensure our knowledge and perspectives are valued in classrooms.

"As a proud Aboriginal woman, I know how important representation is. This partnership with the NSW Government demonstrates what can happen when governments invest in First Nations women to create lasting change, opening doors for young girls to see themselves as scientists, innovators and leaders."