Merck scholarships back First Nations STEM talent

To help cultivate the next generation of First Nations STEM leaders, Merck Healthcare and Macquarie University have announced the recipients of two newly established Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership scholarships, unveiled ahead of National Reconciliation Week.

Josie Downey, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare, congratulated the successful candidates and emphasised the broader significance of the program.

“Congratulations to the two scholarship recipients on their achievement, we are honoured to support their pursuit of STEM excellence,” said Josie Downey, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare. “We know this can be a life-changing opportunity for these impressive recipients- and an equally huge opportunity for the STEM sector, which will gain so much from these driven and talented individuals.”

Macquarie University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Sam Ricketts highlighted the program’s role in strengthening pathways for First Nations students in STEM.

“The new Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarships provide a unique opportunity to empower young First Nations students to self-direct and sustain their ambitions and success in STEM careers,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with Merck and help deliver this significant investment for young First Nations Australians.”

Among the recipients is Zoe Carroll, a proud Aboriginal woman with ancestral connections to the Anaiwan clan, currently in the third year of her Doctor of Medicine degree. She said she was honoured to be selected.

“As a proud Indigenous woman, it is my responsibility to step into spaces that colonisation restricted us from, medicine and education, and break through barriers that continue to restrict Indigenous peoples’ rights, access and equitable treatment,” she said. “I view medicine through an Indigenous lens, giving me a deeper understanding of the barriers in place of community access to healthcare and a personal connection to how differently Indigenous peoples view health.”

The second recipient, Mia Stevens, a proud Aboriginal woman from Awabakal land, will use the scholarship to advance her studies in software engineering.

“For me, technology is not just about innovation, but about making a meaningful difference. What inspired me to pursue a career in STEM is the powerful role technology plays in shaping our future,” she said. “As an Indigenous Australian, I am inspired by the long-standing tradition of environmental stewardship and caring for Country. I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded the Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarship. This opportunity will allow me to use technology as a tool not only to connect people, but also to protect and sustain the environment, blending ancient wisdom with modern solutions.”

Downey reflected on the competitive selection process, noting the exceptional calibre of applicants.

“We were blown away by the volume and calibre of applications and recognise the hard work behind every scholarship application. We celebrate the interest in STEM and diverse talents our recipients bring,” Downey said.

Ricketts further highlighted the importance of education in shaping future outcomes and strengthening community impact.

“Education is key to future success. The Merck Indigenous STEM Leadership Scholarships encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to study and work in STEM related fields. Congratulations to the recipients – you exemplify the best, through your curiosity, resilience, and in giving back to community,” Ricketts added.

Beyond financial assistance of approximately $40,000 for each scholarship, participants will also gain exclusive access to Merck’s leadership teams and tailored mentoring opportunities developed jointly by Macquarie University and Merck, strengthening their pathway toward future leadership roles in STEM.

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