Deadly science inspiring future Indigenous scientists

When Corey Tutt discovered that some Australian school libraries contained as few as 15 books, he felt compelled to do something to help fill their shelves. He took on a second job so that he could buy science books and early reading materials to send to remote schools across the country. Almost two years later, Tutt is continuing his mission in his role as chief executive and founder of Deadly Science.

‘Deadly Science is not what it sounds like, you aren’t going to die of a hideous infection,’ explains Tutt. ‘Deadly in Aboriginal culture is to describe something as cool or awesome.’

Tutt is a Kamilaroi man, struck by both the paucity of science books for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities and the lack of representation of Indigenous people in science careers.

‘Our people are the world’s first scientists; 65,000 years of astronomy and chemistry,’ explains Tutt. ‘There’s a certain part of science that’s deeply ingrained in our culture and our identities as Aboriginal people in Australia.’ At the time Tutt started Deadly Science he was working as an animal technician. ‘I hadn’t really met any Indigenous scientists or animal technicians and I really wanted this to change,’ he explains.