Inaugural deaf youth science camp an “incredible opportunity”

ANSTO’s inaugural Deaf Youth Science Camp is being held on campus at ANSTO, the home of Australia’s only research reactor.

The camp will run from Thursday 7 August to Saturday 9 August 2025 as a part of National Science Week.

17 Deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, aged 12-17, from around Australia gathered at ANSTO to learn about science in Auslan (Australian sign language). 

Auslan is the unique, CALD—Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, sign language of the Australian Deaf community.

Christopher Makin, an ANSTO Deaf Science Educator with a degree in cognitive science, said: “This is an incredible opportunity.”

“Most Deaf youth miss out on full access to science education in their own language (Auslan). It’s not available at most schools.”

“Deaf educators will be explaining the science of rockets, atoms, forensics and 3D printing using Auslan.” The campers will be getting busy building and launching rockets, using ANSTO’s 3D printer and even trying their luck at crime scene investigation. 

Deaf engineers, scientists and IT specialists will be sharing their distinctive experiences as Deaf STEM professionals and will provide the campers with advice about careers in STEM. 

David Parker, a software engineer and Deaf Science Educator at ANSTO said: “It’s important for Deaf youth to see successful Deaf adults in skilled roles, achieving amazing things.”

“All things are possible for them. We want to encourage and support their STEM dreams.” The campers will also tour ANSTO taking in the OPAL research reactor and the Discovery Centre. 

The camp, organised by ANSTO and Deaf Youth Australia, is subsidised thanks to a grant from National Science Week. 

Please contact ANSTO Media for contemporaneous images of the camp.

Photo above of Christopher Makin, an ANSTO Deaf Science Educator, David Parker, an ANSTO Deaf Science Educator, and Bridget Murphy, ANSTO Education  Manager, teaching at Robert Townsend High School in 2024