Academics at Macquarie University have contributed to meaningful community impact and inclusive practices, often in unexpected yet deeply rewarding ways. This presentation outlines a successful model of STEM engagement that has empowered Indigenous Australian secondary students as STEM leaders and inspired further initiatives supporting young people from under-represented backgrounds in STEM education and careers.
In 2005, as part of best ethical practice in a research partnership on medicinal plants with Yaegl Country Aboriginal Elders, natural products and medicinal chemist Joanne Jamie co-initiated what became the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP). Through a school–university–community model, NISEP positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students as STEM leaders and role models, building confidence, pride, and aspirations among youth and their communities. Over two decades, NISEP has transformed how STEM is accessed by students traditionally under-represented in higher education, demonstrating that culturally grounded, community-led approaches can meaningfully shift engagement and aspiration. The program has also sparked complementary initiatives such as Girls to Graduates, which supports schoolgirls and female university students from equity backgrounds with mentorship, internships, leadership opportunities, and financial support to pursue STEM education and careers.
Macquarie University students are also central to NISEP, Girls to Graduates, and similar inclusive STEM programs. In contributing to STEM outreach in schools and communities, these university students frequently undergo significant personal and professional transformation, developing greater cultural awareness and a commitment to equity. One reflected: "The unit has fostered a deep appreciation of our Indigenous communities and inspired me to promote equity through my studies."
Collectively, these efforts have fostered a stronger sense of belonging for both staff and students in higher education. This presentation aims to inspire fellow chemists to embrace opportunities that foster equity, inclusion, and pride within universities, and empower the communities they serve.