A prestigious opportunity for Indigenous university students to intern with NASA is set to continue, thanks to a significant funding boost from the Australian Government. The Monash University-led National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) has received close to $500,000 from the Australian Space Agency, securing the program’s future until at least 2027.
Space Dreams Supported by New Funding
Under this initiative, five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will travel annually to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, for a 10-week internship.
Professor Christopher Lawrence, NISA’s lead and a Whadjuk/Ballardong Noongar man, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s expansion. “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,” he said. “We are looking forward to the next chapter of NISA with this generous and continued support from the Australian Space Agency.”
A Transformative Experience
NISA, which has already sent 14 students to NASA, offers First Nations STEM talent an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading scientists and engineers. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, highlighted the profound impact of the program.
“I’ve seen first-hand the transformative effect NISA has on the lives of its interns,” Mr Palermo said. “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.”
He also emphasised the program’s role in fostering diversity in STEM, which aligns with the Government’s broader agenda of ‘A Future Made in Australia’ and its new National Science and Research Priorities. “A more diverse STEM workforce is essential to realising these goals.”
From the Classroom to the Cosmos
One shining example of the program’s success is Carl Goodwin, a Gamilaroi man from Brisbane and part of the 2024 NISA cohort. While interning with NASA’s Earth Sciences team, Mr Goodwin contributed to building predictive models for harmful algal blooms.
“These models are crucial for preserving the health of large water systems for drinking water, recreation, and ecosystems,” he said. “In the future, I am planning to utilise these skills and knowledge to contribute to the preservation of Australia’s beautiful coasts and reefs.”
Reflecting on his experience, Mr Goodwin described the internship as life-changing. “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,” he said.
Preparing for Lift-Off
Selected students will undergo a comprehensive ‘Space Boot Camp’ at Monash University’s Clayton Campus before departing for their NASA internships in 2025. The camp, led by former NASA/JPL leader Lieutenant Larry James, will cover a wide range of topics including aerodynamics, robotics, astrophysics, and planetary science. Students will also explore engineering, computer sciences, and Earth sciences while gaining an understanding of past and current NASA missions.
The program is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across Australia who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicants will be selected based on academic merit and placed with expert mentors at NASA/JPL.
A Bright Future
As NISA continues to elevate First Nations’ STEM talent, it’s also shining a spotlight on Indigenous knowledge systems. By connecting ancient traditions with cutting-edge science, the program is forging a path for a more inclusive and innovative future in space exploration.
To learn more about NISA and apply for the 2025 NASA/JPL internship, please visit: monash.edu/it/nisa
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy with First Nations students at the launch of the NISA program in 2023.
