Monash University has announced its first industry partnership for the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), with Boeing committing to fully fund a student place in the program.
Led by Monash's Faculty of Engineering and supported by the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO, NISA gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students hands-on experience at the forefront of space exploration through placements at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California and RAL Space in the United Kingdom.
Now in its third year, NISA has become a hallmark of Indigenous excellence in STEM - fostering global research pathways and embedding Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the future of space science.
Professor Robyn Ward AM, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President at Monash, said the Boeing partnership demonstrates how Monash's strength in industry collaboration is also delivering opportunities for the next generation.
"Through the National Indigenous Space Academy, Monash is supporting Indigenous excellence and opening global opportunities for future leaders in space science and engineering. Boeing's partnership strengthens a program that is fast emerging as a flagship for Indigenous excellence in STEM, and reflects Monash's advanced space capabilities and ambitions."
Michael Edwards, Vice President, Global Technology, Boeing Technology Innovation said, "Together with Monash and NISA, Boeing is helping create meaningful opportunities for First Nations students who want to pursue exciting careers in aerospace."
"This industry is geared to those who dream about flight and finding new ways to explore our world and beyond. Programs like this will help ensure Australia remains at the forefront of aerospace and innovation."
Professor Chris Lawrence, Director of the National Indigenous Space Academy and newly appointed Professor of Practice in Space Innovation and Security Capabilities in the Faculty of Engineering, said the scholarship would have a transformative impact.
"NISA is life changing for our students, empowering them to work on real-life space missions. The Boeing scholarship will support an Indigenous student to literally reach for the stars and shape their future – perhaps as our first Indigenous Australian astronaut."
Professor Larry James, Lieutenant General (USAF, Retired) and Professor of Practice (Space Innovation) in Monash Engineering, said the partnership further strengthens Monash's connections across the international space ecosystem.
"Boeing's partnership with Monash University's National Indigenous Space Academy is a key step in continuing to build partnerships across the spectrum of space companies and organisations.
"Space is truly an international endeavour, and Boeing's provision of this important grant to grow the next generation of space explorers and researchers benefits us all."
Applications for NISA's 2026 program are open until 27 February. Students can apply via the NISA website.
