The call is out for the next cohort of Indigenous STEM stars to apply for a NASA internship, thanks to a substantial funding boost from the Australian Government.
The Monash University-led National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) has received almost half a million dollars from the Australian Space Agency to continue until at least 2027.
Each year, NISA will send five students to the United States for a 10-week internship at NASA JPL in Pasadena, California.
The opportunity is open to any undergraduate and postgraduate student in Australia who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and is studying a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
“This new uplift for NISA will fuel the dreams of a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students and help them join the program’s early pioneers at the forefront of space research and exploration.
We are looking forward to the next chapter of NISA with this generous and continued support from the Australian Space Agency."
- Professor Christopher Lawrence, NISA lead & proud Whadjuk/Ballardong Noongar man
Australian Space Agency Head Enrico Palermo said the Agency was proud to back NISA, which is nurturing and growing Australia’s space capabilities.
“I’ve seen first-hand the transformative effect NISA has on the lives of its interns - it gives First Nations’ STEM talent the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best, and to bring that knowledge back to the Australian space and technology sectors,” Mr Palermo said.
“A more diverse STEM workforce is essential to realising the Government’s marquee agenda of ‘A Future Made in Australia’, and programs like NISA are helping bridge the divide.
“NISA is also elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ knowledge systems, in line with the Government’s new National Science and Research Priorities.”
Over the last few years, the NISA program has supported 14 First Nations students to experience an internship at NASA/JPL, mentored by leading researchers, engineers, and technologists.
This includes Carl Goodwin, a proud Gamilaroi man from Brisbane and Master of Artificial Intelligence student at Monash University, who was part of the 2024 NISA cohort.
During his internship, Carl worked with the Earth Sciences team, contributing to building models to predict harmful algal blooms.
“These models are crucial for preserving the health of large water systems for drinking water, recreation, and ecosystems... in the future, I am planning to utilise these skills and knowledge to contribute to the preservation of Australia's beautiful coasts and reefs.
“Not only was it an amazing experience that helped me develop my skills, but further opportunities are presenting themselves that I otherwise wouldn't have been exposed to.”
- Carl Goodwin, 2024 NISA intern
The students will be chosen from the pool of applicants based on academic merit and placed with mentors at NASA/JPL for an internship in 2025.
Before leaving, they will undertake a ‘Space Boot Camp’ at Monash University’s Clayton Campus with former NASA/JPL Leader Lieutenant Larry James, to learn about past and current NASA space exploration missions.
They will also familiarise themselves with aerodynamics, robotics, astrophysics, planetary science, engineering, computer sciences, and Earth sciences.
Get on board
Learn more about NISA or apply for a 2025 internship.