Corey Aden Tutt OAM is a distinguished Aboriginal Australian STEM professional, author, and social entrepreneur. As the founder of DeadlyScience, he has made significant strides in providing STEM resources to remote schools across Australia. In 2020, his contributions were recognized when he was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year.
Early Life
Born in Nowra on the New South Wales south coast, Corey Tutt hails from the Kamilaroi nation. Growing up in the Illawarra region, he developed a passion for science, agriculture, and history during his time at Dapto High School. However, following the tragic suicide of a close friend in 2011, Corey took to traveling as an alpaca shearer throughout Australia and New Zealand, a journey that would eventually lead him back to his love for science.
Career Path
Tutt began his professional journey as a zookeeper on the NSW South Coast before venturing into alpaca shearing. His turning point came in 2018, when he founded DeadlyScience with the mission of delivering science books and early reading materials to remote schools across Australia.
In 2019, Tutt joined the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use as a research assistant. His dedication to education and Indigenous communities culminated in the publication of his award-winning book, The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples, illustrated by Archibald Prize-winning artist Blak Douglas. This book, released in 2022, celebrates the scientific contributions of Australia’s First Peoples.
In 2023, Tutt arranged a remarkable meeting between seven Yorta Yorta students from Shepparton and seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, further emphasizing his commitment to inspiring young Indigenous people.
Founding DeadlyScience
Corey launched DeadlyScience while working two jobs, initially funding the initiative through a GoFundMe campaign that garnered over A$240,000. His commitment grew from recognizing a remote school with only fifteen books in its library. Starting with his own book donations, he soon coordinated contributions from notable scientists like Brian Cox and Karl Kruszelnicki.
By 2020, DeadlyScience had delivered 7,000 books and 200 telescopes to over 100 schools, aiming to inspire Indigenous students to pursue careers in STEM. Corey emphasizes the importance of providing resources that reflect the true history of Australia’s first scientists, such as Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu.
Under Tutt’s leadership, the organization also launched the Deadly Junior Scientist Awards, which encourage Indigenous youth to engage with STEM subjects and explore their local environments scientifically.
Following the devastating bushfires in 2020, DeadlyScience played a vital role in supporting affected schools by providing books and resources. The initiative raised A$7,000 for Broome Primary School after it was destroyed by arson.
Community Impact
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tutt’s efforts continued unabated. He led projects to provide educational supplies and food to struggling Aboriginal families and organized campaigns to distribute books to children in isolation. By October 2021, DeadlyScience had distributed more than 25,000 books and resources to over 110 communities nationwide.
In 2022, he collaborated with the McLaren Formula One team, showcasing the DeadlyScience logo on their cars during the Grand Prix in Melbourne. His initiatives also included providing LEGO to over 200 schools and supporting recovery efforts for schools impacted by floods.
Recognition and Awards
Corey’s tireless work has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- 2019: AMP Foundation Tomorrow Maker
- 2019: STEM Champion Award at the Indigenous STEM Awards
- 2020: NSW Young Australian of the Year
- 2020: CSIRO Indigenous STEM Champion
- 2022: Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
- 2022: Winner of the Australian Book Industry Awards’ Book of the Year for Younger Children
Conclusion
Corey Tutt OAM embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, serving as a powerful role model for Indigenous youth across Australia. Through his work with DeadlyScience and his various community engagements, he continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders, showing them that STEM fields are not only accessible but also vital to understanding and celebrating their culture and heritage.
