A growing national shortage of skilled professionals in science, technology, and health is felt most acutely in rural, regional, and Indigenous communities. In August 2024, WIRF piloted the Science in Schools Outreach Program (SISOP) at Melville HS. The aim is to inspire and mentor students, particularly those from rural, remote, and Indigenous backgrounds, by bringing ...
Women and Infants Research Foundation
Science in Schools
GOAL
$112,660
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- General population
- Women and girls
Women and Infants Research Foundation
The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is one of Australia’s leading independent research institutions dedicated to improving the health outcomes of women, babies, and their families.
For nearly 50 years, WIRF has been at the forefront of vital research and support programs that have transformed clinical practice and saved countless lives. We work to ensure the health of women and babies is prioritised through cutting-edge research, education, and practical care solutions.
Vision
For all Australian women to enjoy the best health for themselves and their babies.
Mission
To conduct, enable, and promote high-quality research that improves the health of women and babies in Australia and beyond.
Project Summary
A growing national shortage of skilled professionals in science, technology, and health is felt most acutely in rural, regional, and Indigenous communities. In August 2024, WIRF piloted the Science in Schools Outreach Program (SISOP) at Melville HS. The aim is to inspire and mentor students, particularly those from rural, remote, and Indigenous backgrounds, by bringing world-class WIRF researchers into schools to demonstrate real pathways into science, medicine, and research.
Key elements:
• Customisable school visits where students engage directly with researchers in areas linked to the Australian Curriculum and Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
• Career and study guidance, with optional virtual mentorship to support subject choices, WACE preparation, and university applications.
• Cultural guidance from Indigenous scientist, Dr Yarlalu Thomas, to ensure culturally appropriate content that reflects the experience and aspirations of Aboriginal students.
The program addresses barriers such as limited exposure, lack of role models, and inequitable access to STEM opportunities. Early engagement includes schools in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with strong interest from additional regional schools and support from neuroscientist and educator Professor Lyn Beazley AO.
Y1 will focus on the Great Southern and South West, with expansion in years two and three to the Goldfields, Esperance, Kimberley and Pilbara regions. National expansion planned for later years. Impact will be measured through student and teacher feedback, mentorship participation, requests for repeat sessions, and the number of students selecting science as a WACE subject. SISOP provides a cost-free pathway for students to see what is possible and encourages future STEM careers.
Project Outcomes
The program addresses key challenges faced by students in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, including limited access to STEM role models, low exposure to career pathways and reduced opportunities for mentorship.
Lack of Exposure: Students will gain increased knowledge of STEM careers and pathways. This will be measured through pre and post program surveys and student feedback forms.
Lack of Leadership and mentorship: Students will gain access to researchers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Outcomes will be measured through the number of completed mentorship sessions, student engagement, and reports from mentors and participants.
Inequities in Rural/Remote Communities: By delivering the program directly to underserved schools, the initiative promotes inclusivity and equitable access to STEM resources. Medium-term outcomes will be tracked through participation rates from target schools and demographic monitoring of program attendees.
Barriers to Academic and Career Success: Students will report increased confidence, motivation, and aspirations to pursue STEM subjects and careers. Medium- to long-term outcomes will be measured via surveys, follow-up interviews, academic records, and subject selection data, assessing sustained engagement and progress in STEM pathways.
Overall, these outcomes ensure that the program delivers measurable, meaningful impact across knowledge, skills, motivation, and access for students facing systemic barriers in STEM education.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $112,660
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap | $112,660 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Travel | $12,960 |
| Accomodation | $4,600 |
| Education Materials, Resources - Print and Digital | $5,500 |
| Base Salary - 4x Researchers | $47,300 |
| Mentoring | $42,300 |
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