Bright SPARQs of the Future
SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research - Queensland Education) is a unique biomedical educational program for school students, delivered through a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Translational Research Institute (TRI).
Students and teachers from across the Queensland schooling sectors (State Schools, Queensland Catholic Education Commission and Independent Schools Queensland) are provided with a practical introduction to biomedical research at our cutting-edge facility featuring a fully equipped Physical Containment (PC2) teaching laboratory and learning centre, located at the TRI in Brisbane.
Student workshops, teacher professional development and research immersion programs use contemporary biomedical research contexts to enhance the delivery of curriculum, including the development of 21st century skills.
Our Vision
To be a leader in Australian STEM education through the delivery of innovative biomedical research education that fosters students’ aspirations as future global leaders and innovators.
Our Mission
To deliver accessible world-class biomedical education experiences that:
- inspire students to consider STEM subjects and careers
- enhance the professional practice of teachers
- build strong connections with the community, including TRI partners: The University of Queensland, Mater Research, Queensland University of Technology and Queensland Health.
Senior Research Immersion Program 2024
Year 10, 11 and 12 Students
Working in a team on a real biomedical research project, you will use the latest technology to examine, test and analyse your results, then discuss your findings with world renowned researchers based at the TRI. Parents are invited to attend the final day presentation delivered by students in the program, followed by light refreshments and opportunity for question time with the lead researcher and SPARQ-ed staff. Students also have an opportunity to apply for a Bonus ATAR adjustment factor for entry into relevant courses at The University of Queensland.
Group 1: closing date 12 February 2024
- Session 1: 08 – 12 April 2024
- Session 2: 15 – 19 April 2024
Download the Group 1 - Application Form >>
Group 2: closing date 6 May 2024
- Session 3: 24 – 28 June 2024
- Session 4: 01 – 05 July 2024
Download the Group 2 - Application Form >>
Group 3: closing date 29 July 2024
- Session 5: 23 - 27 September 2024
- Session 6: 30 September – 04 October 2024
Junior Research Engagement Program 2024
Year 8 and 9 Students
This immersive program is open to students across Queensland with an interest in STEM who are considering their future subject choices. You will gain experience using the latest technology and techniques in our state-of-the-art PC2 biomedical research laboratory, while learning valuable collaboration skills with peers in a real research environment. Parents are invited to the final day presentation delivered by students, followed by question time with SPARQ-ed staff.
Separate opening dates apply for each group session and close after two weeks:
Session 2: 01 – 02 February 2024
Session 4: 13 – 14 June 2024
Session 5: 02 – 03 December 2024
Session 6: 05 – 06 December 2024
Professional Development Program
School teachers and science technicians can register to attend Professional Development workshops designed by SPARQ-ed to supports school staff in implementing Biology, Chemistry, Curriculum Science, and VET courses essential to the professional practice of teachers engaging students in STEM.
School Group Workshops
Two-hour Incursion or full day Excursion workshop experience for students in Years 7-12. All experiences have been designed to complement the implementation of ACARA Science and QCAA Biology and Chemistry subjects.
Incursion workshop
Topics:
- Bacterial Transformation: Science, Biology
- Diagnosing Diabetes *(abridged version): Science, Biology, Chemistry
Excursion Workshop
Topics:
- Working with DNA: Science, Biology, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
- Exploring Enzymes: Science, Biology, Chemistry, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
- Cell Biology: Science, Biology, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
- Microbiology Detectives: Science, Biology, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
- Diagnosing Diabetes: Science, Biology, Chemistry, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
Regional and Remote Student Scholarship
Lions Medical Research Foundation Scholarship
The Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) proudly support the SPARQ-ed project by offering eligible regional and remote students traveling from across Queensland the opportunity to apply for a LMRF Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarship to assist with costs associated with travel and accommodation to attend the SPARQ-ed Junior and Senior Research immersion programs.
To find out more, see the Lions Medical Research Foundation.
Event Calendar
At SPARQ-ed we run many specialized and tailored workshops and programs throughout the year to deliver world-class biomedical education experiences that inspire students and support and enhance the professional practice of teachers.
How you can get involved...
- SPARQ-ed Ambassador Program
- SPARQ-ed Tutor Scheme
- SPARQ-ed Alumni
- Sponsorship
- Events
