Indigenous scientists are hoping to inspire the next generation of budding researchers by speaking out about their work.
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Dr Jason Sharples is an applied mathematician at UNSW Canberra currently working in the field of bushfire risk management.
He said he wanted to bust the myth that children from Indigenous backgrounds could not be good at science.
"There's almost this message out there that Indigenous kids are no good at science and maths," said Dr Sharples, from the Bundjalung nation.
"And that's completely wrong. You don't last tens of thousands of years on this continent without some level of knowledge and technology.
"That hasn't changed. There's no reason an Indigenous kid can't study maths and science and take that through to the highest level."
Bradley Moggridge is an Indigenous water scientist and PhD candidate working at the University of Canberra .
Science was a pathway for Indigenous communities to "gain a seat at the table" and ensure their voices were heard on important issues, said Mr Moggridge, from the Kamilaroi nation.
"The main thing I'm working on is how to influence Western water management with traditional knowledge.
"There's been no Indigenous voice in water management for a long time, because we haven't had the science to back us up.
"But if you can validate some of that traditional knowledge, you can actually influence policy and the way we do business."
Dr Sharples and Mr Moggridge visited The Canberra Times newsroom during National Science Week as part of an initiative developed by the Australian Science Media Centre to give greater visibility to Indigenous researchers.
Lyndal Byford, the centre's acting chief executive, said it was important for these scientists to spread the word about their work.
"The media plays a vital role in creating role models for young Australians and while many of us can name Indigenous sports stars, actors or artists, Indigenous scientists don't have the same media profile," she said.
"Through this program we hope to support some amazing Indigenous scientists working in everything from cancer research to astronomy, to build up their confidence and have their voices heard in the media and to raise the profile of Indigenous knowledge."
