Our two-day workshop is for First Nation high school students to “Explore the Unknown” at the University of Queensland (UQ) and Translational Research Institute (TRI). We will give students hands-on experience in biomedical research and inform on pathways into STEM study and careers. We have partnered with leading organisations; Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), DeadlyScience, UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit and TRI Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland – Education (SPARQ-Ed).

Day 1 will be at UQ St Lucia campus, led by ATSISU staff and current First Nation students. Activities include:

• ATSIS Unit team presentation, with information provided on future engagement opportunities through their InspireU STEM camps  
• Student Ambassadors studying a STEM degree will share their experience followed by a Q&A 
• Tour of UQ laboratory
• Great Race around the campus with small groups of ATSISU students to increase perceived accessibility of universities 
• Visit to ATSIS unit to see resources available on campus

Day 2 will be at TRI, led by SPARQ-Ed. Informed directly by DeadlyScience experts to reflect the knowledges of Australia’s first scientists and the opportunities available to individuals who study STEM today, the following activities will be delivered:

• A hands-on module on the antibacterial properties of native Australian plants, whose medical properties were first recognised by First Australians. Students will have a short presentation on the science behind the experiment, will describe the properties of the leaves (e.g., smell, texture etc.) and will evaluate their ability to kill bacteria in culture
• Diverse career options will be presented in a series of Yarn Circles. First Nations people who have pursued careers using STEM qualifications will share their personal journeys