Students from diverse backgrounds participated in the Indigenous Astrophysics Work Experience Program at Swinburne University, marking a significant step towards integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge with modern astrophysics. Running from July 14-18, 2025, this initiative provided seven high school students in Years 10 to 12 with hands-on experience in astrophysics research, aiming to bridge the educational gap for Indigenous students in science and technology.
The program, which recognizes the profound astronomical knowledge held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 65,000 years, seeks to amplify their voices in the academic astronomy community. Currently, just 8 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged 25-34 hold a bachelor’s degree, highlighting the need for programs like this to inspire future generations.
Benny Rayner, Operations Support Officer at Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre, emphasized that the program extends beyond mere exposure to astrophysics. “The week is about building confidence, creating connections, and showing young students that they belong in these spaces,” he stated. Rayner noted that incorporating Indigenous knowledge into scientific discourse strengthens the field of science itself.
The program commenced with an introduction by Ryan Chand from the Moondani Toombadool Centre, who outlined the pathways into tertiary study available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Participants were mentored by accomplished astrophysicists, including Dr. Kirsten Banks, a Wiradjuri woman, and Krystal De Napoli, a Gomeroi woman. They guided the students in exploring both contemporary research and traditional Indigenous scientific practices.
Throughout the week, students toured cutting-edge facilities such as Swinburne’s OzSTAR and Ngarrgu Tindebeek Supercomputers, and engaged with innovative technologies like virtual reality environments. They also visited the Melbourne Museum and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, participating in workshops led by Indigenous academics, including machine learning expert Kiowa Scott-Hurley. The support from Indigenous student ambassadors Rachel Johnson and Sienna Vallejo further enriched the participants’ experience.
The program culminated in student-led presentations, where participants shared their research on topics such as quasars and black holes, as well as the intersection of religion and astronomy. Professor Emma Ryan-Weber from the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing expressed her admiration for the students’ efforts: “I was absolutely blown away by the amazing final presentations on the Friday afternoon. One of the students admitted he was initially nervous but was so glad that he joined. I could sense real growth over the course of the week.”
The Indigenous Astrophysics Work Experience Program was initially developed by the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D) in 2023 at Mt Stromlo Observatory. Swinburne University launched its inaugural program in 2024, with support from ASTRO 3D and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). Given the strong demand and positive feedback, Swinburne is set to run the program again in 2026, ensuring that the contributions of the world’s first astronomers continue to shape the future of astrophysics.
In recognition of the land on which its campuses are located, Swinburne respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri People as the Traditional Owners and pays respects to their Elders past and present.
