Deadly in 
Generation STEM 
Insights 2025

Evaluation report highlights

Deadly in Generation STEM is part of the Generation STEM initiative, funded 
by the NSW Government and delivered by CSIRO, to attract, support and retain 
NSW students in STEM and school into further education and employment.

The Deadly in Generation STEM program is currently delivered in two NSW regions: Kamilaroi Country (Moree – Narrabri) 
and Dharawal Country (Illawarra). The findings here are based on survey and interview data collected during program activities 
held in 2025. Participants included educators, high school students, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Indigenous camp leaders, 
and CSIRO program staff.

Program snapshot

33 students 
(Years 8–10) 
across 2 
STEM camps.

48 educators 
participated 
in professional 
learning. 

Strong focus 
on Indigenous 
knowledges + 
STEM pathways

Key outcomes

Overall, students reported 
improvements against all 
outcomes related to their 
interest, awareness and 
confidence in STEM and 
connection to culture. 

Students reported the 
highest amount of 
change in their:

• awareness of 
Indigenous STEM 
knowledges
• awareness of STEM 
study options.


Students reported 
broader awareness 
in STEM areas such as: 

Environmental 
conservation 
and engineering 
(e.g., water management).

Cultural knowledge 
(boomerangs, dance, 
plant medicine).

Biology, 
Chemistry, 
Astronomy.

Students reported increased interest in cultural 
engagement and having a future STEM career.

96% of educator participants reported 
being very or extremely satisfied 
with the professional learning. 

Overall, educators most valued components were:

• linking Indigenous knowledge to curriculum
• cultural competence in teaching
• planning inquiry-based projects.


Educators’ largest capability gains: 

• teaching with traditional context
• delivering inquiry lessons
• applying inquiry learning methods.



Generation STEM is managed by CSIRO and made possible 
by the NSW Government’s $25 million endowment to the 
Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF).



Program design that works

For students

Strong connection 
to culture and identity.

Learning directly from Elders 
and Knowledge Holders.

Exposure to real STEM 
career pathways.

Shared experience 
with peers and mentors.

For educators

Networking and collaboration 
across schools.

Practical, hands-on 
learning.

Time for classroom-ready 
planning.

Input into program 
co‑design for future impact.

Program improvements in 2025 were 
implemented through a continuous 
improvement process

Pre-camp briefings + daily 
staff debriefs to support 
communication.

Student-led behaviour 
sessions resulted in 
greater engagement.

Better support for camp 
leaders prior to and 
during camp.

Continuous improvement lessons in 2025

• Being flexible and adaptable and prioritising clear 
communication into the fast paced and dynamic 
environment of camp. Ensuring extra planning 
was in place to supporting new camp leaders.
• Improve educator resources to enhance simplicity, 
stronger links with Aboriginal Knowledge Holders, 
practical implementation guidance and alignment 
with curriculum updates.


Short term outcomes 
of the program

Contributes to cultural pride 
and STEM aspirations in 
high school students.

Strengthens educator ability 
to deliver STEM learning 
in an Indigenous context.

Creates benefit through 
community connection, 
skills building, and future 
education pathways.

In 2025, the Ngaa‑bi‑nya evaluation framework (Williams, 
M., 2018) was applied to this program evaluation for the 
first time. To find out more about how this framework 
was used and for more detailed findings:

Read the full 2025 insights report (PDF)

Contact us 1300 363 400 | csiro.au/contact | csiro.au

CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency, delivering 
solutions for a productive, sustainable and secure future.

CSIRO. Improving the life of every Australian.

Find out more at csiro.au/generationSTEM

Email generationSTEM@csiro.au