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Twenty-five Year Nine Indigenous students from across WA will get a taste of the thrill of science when they visit The University of Western Australia this week.

The students will come from Kununurra, Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha, Carnarvon, Wongan Hills and Perth to attend an inaugural school holiday science camp.

The camp will provide the students with a hands-on experience and include participation from Indigenous artists, scientists and engineers to demonstrate the relevance and importance of science and technology to Indigenous people.  The aim of the camp is to attract Indigenous students to study science and engineering at UWA and become leaders in solving the problems and challenges of tomorrow.

Associate Professor Darlene Oxenham, Deputy Dean at UWA's School of Indigenous Studies,  said the University had been very successful in attracting Indigenous students to study medicine, law and social sciences but less so in attracting them into science and engineering disciplines.

"Through the different activities within the camp we aim to stimulate the students' interest in science and to show them that it is possible for them to achieve a career in the Science fields," Associate Professor Oxenham said.

"We will demonstrate to Indigenous students that science and engineering are relevant to our people and our communities because they can help solve community problems, as well as create new opportunities for employment and enterprise.  There are many ways in which Indigenous peoples and communities can benefit, and ultimately we want our Indigenous graduates to be leaders in their communities."

Besides inspirational science, the students will enjoy cultural activities such as Noel Nannup's stories told by starlight, an Indigenous conservation and ecology session led by his son Greg Nannup, sporting activities and shopping. The camp will conclude with a careers forum with Indigenous alumni of the University sharing their experiences of study and employment.

The Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations provided funding for the camp, under a School to University Pathways Project grant.

In-kind support and activities during the camp will also be provided by Scitech and Woodside Petroleum.

NB: The Centre for Strategic Nano-fabrication at UWA will present a practical session for the students promoting green chemistry, nanotechnology and sustainability within a cultural context.  The emerging field of Nanotechnology may have potential benefits for Indigenous communities in addressing issues related to the environment (caring for Country), water, energy and health care.

Media representatives are invited to attend this session tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, from 9.15am to 9.45am.  Meet in the foyer of the Molecular and Chemical Sciences Building, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley.  Closest university entrance is Hackett Entrance 2, near Anatomy building.  For map visit https://www.uwa.edu.au/campus_map

Media references

Associate Professor Darlene Oxenham 61 8  6488 1568
Dr Scott Martyn (Science Project Coordinator, School of Indigenous Studies)  61 8  6488 1570
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  61 8  6488 5563  /  0432 637 716