Corey Tutt on the First Scientists and their Deadly Inventions and Innovations

Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt is CEO of Deadly Science, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing science resources and early reading material to remote schools in Australia.

He has just authored a book called The First Scientists, Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia's First Peoples.

‘For me if Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander kids can see that our people do science and have done for thousands of years then hopefully it opens the doors in their minds of what’s possible,’ Corey said.

‘For non-Indigenous people it’s important they learn the true history of this country and our people and be proud of our First Scientists.’

Written for kids aged 7 to 12, The First Scientists is designed to ‘nourish the readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.’

The book has been well received and is lining the shelves of school libraries across Australia.

‘I wrote this book to inspire the Deadly Scientist who might have a bit of self-doubt or is struggling with finding their passion and purpose. My book entering schools is just a bonus and a bonus I am so proud of.’

To appreciate science and its contribution to society, it’s important to understand the role of scientists over the ages.

Corey said what defines and drives a scientist is the ability to create and think outside the box. It’s the ability to find one’s passion and just maybe, perhaps look a bit closer and learn the finer details.

Science is more than just curiosity.

‘The difference is a scientist knows what they don’t know and will simply search for the answers to the questions they have. Often it’s by processes of elimination.’

For those kids wondering where to begin their scientific journey, he has some advice.

‘Find your passion, read as much as you can and eventually you will remember all the deadly facts,’ Corey said.

‘It’s okay to have more than one passion. It’s so important that we follow our passions as the energy we can put into them will drive us further than the next person.’

For the moment, Corey has no plans for other books.

‘Perhaps I really just want to see our Deadly Scientists do so well and grow into the people they’re destined to be,’ he said.