Australia is making strides towards promoting diversity in STEM and advancing Indigenous perspectives in science. Professor Alex Brown has become the first Indigenous scientist to serve on the CSIRO board of directors, and he will work on a part-time basis for five years. The appointment marks the Albanese government’s first appointment to the board. Additionally, the National Indigenous Space Academy has launched a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students to participate in a 10-week summer internship program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The program is run out of Monash University with funding support from the Australian Space Agency. Finally, the Australian National University launched Gandaywarra, its First Nations Innovation Hub, in October 2022, and is currently establishing a multi-million dollar ‘proof of concept’ grants program.
Indigenous Scientist Alex Brown Appointed to CSIRO Board
The Albanese government has appointed Professor Alex Brown as the first Indigenous scientist to join the CSIRO board of directors. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Australia’s history and is a testament to Professor Brown’s contributions to the fields of Aboriginal and public health services.
Professor Brown is a member of the Yuin Nation and holds the position of Professor of Indigenous Genomics at the Telethon Kids Institute. He has dedicated his research to studying health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, with a focus on chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
On March 16, Professor Brown commenced his role on the CSIRO board on a part-time basis for five years. He was also recently appointed as the director of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at the Australian National University.
Industry and Science minister Ed Husic announced the appointment during his address to the National Press Club on Wednesday. He acknowledged Professor Brown’s contributions to the field of Indigenous health and thanked him for setting a path for Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and scientists who will follow him.
Mr Husic also shared that there are two unfilled CSIRO board positions, but the government has advanced processes to fill these vacancies. The government has formally begun consultation on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review, and work is underway to refresh the federal government’s national science priorities. One of the terms of reference is to elevate and invest in First Nations perspectives on science, technology, and innovation.
Professor Brown’s appointment to the CSIRO board demonstrates the government’s commitment to diversity in STEM and promoting Indigenous perspectives in science.
Australia’s Indigenous Space Academy Launches with NASA Summer Internship Program
Australia’s National Indigenous Space Academy, run by Monash University with funding support from the Australian Space Agency, launched on Tuesday. The program will provide five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students with the opportunity to participate in a 10-week summer internship program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In October 2022, the Australian National University also launched Gandaywarra, its First Nations Innovation Hub, which is establishing a multi-million dollar ‘proof of concept’ grants program. For more information, contact James Riley via email.
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