STEM the Gap: Science belongs to us mob too

Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that everyone has the right to freely share in scientific advancement and its benefits, and Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) recognizes the right of everyone to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. Benefits include access to scientific and technological knowledge and opportunities for all to contribute to the scientific enterprise. Iwould add to these recognition of the scientific heritage of Indigenous peoples. Yet in Australia, Indigenous people are under-represented in science education and research and in STEM (Science Technology Mathematics and Engineering) related careers, to an extent that could amount to a violation of human rights under Articles 27 and 15. In this article I deconstruct some of the myths and attitudes that may contribute to the perpetuation of this situation, and outline a way forward.