- Charles Sturt University students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, to benefit from new CSIRO perpetual scholarship endowment.
- The CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarships will offer at least one $10,000 scholarship each year for Indigenous students studying an undergraduate or postgraduate STEM degree.
- Applications are now open and close 15 January 2024 to commence that year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Charles Sturt University will have the opportunity to boost their study and career prospects with the help of a significant new scholarship.
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has made a new $500,000 scholarship endowment to the University to inspire and empower the next generation of Indigenous scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
This is part of CSIRO’s commitment to supporting the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent which saw the agency contribute more than $5M to Indigenous STEM scholarships, across 11 universities this year.
Mrs Sarah Ansell, CEO of the Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust said the partnership between CSIRO and Charles Sturt will see the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship awarded in perpetuity, with one new scholar awarded $10,000 each year for the duration of their degree, enabling the recipient to focus on their studies and pursue their STEM career.
“We are delighted to announce the first offering of this scholarship with applications now open, for commencement in the 2024 academic year,” Mrs Ansell said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants can be studying online or at any campus across the University’s footprint and can be studying either undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
“We are thrilled to see further support for Indigenous students interested in building a STEM career. It is through committed partnerships and investment in scholarships like this that we will see the direct impact on the voices and viewpoints of Indigenous peoples in the talented STEM workforce of the future.”
Mr Frank Gafa, a Wailwan/Wiradjuri man and University Partnerships Manager, Indigenous Science and Engagement at CSIRO said the scholarship endowment program is a key part of the Indigenous Science and Engagement Program.
“We’re working on opportunities for scholarship holders to undertake student placements with CSIRO while they study,” Mr Gafa said.
“At the conclusion of their university program, they may be considered for further opportunities with CSIRO to build a career in STEM. These initiatives not only empower Indigenous talent but also enrich the broader scientific landscape with diverse perspectives, driving innovation and inclusion.”
The scholarship applications will remain open until early 2024.