SPARQ-ed (pronounced spark- ed) is a unique biomedical educational project for school students and teachers, founded in collaboration between the Department of Education and The University of Queensland at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane. Our cutting-edge facility features a fully equipped PC2 teaching laboratory and learning centre, providing students with a practical introduction to biomedical research and teachers with curriculum aligned professional development.
SPARQ-eD | Students Performing advanced Research qld-education
Our Vision
To be a leader in Australian STEM education by delivering innovative biomedical research education that fosters the development of aspiring students as the future leaders and innovators of Queensland.
Our Mission
To deliver sustainable and accessible world-class biomedical education experiences that inspire students to consider STEM subjects and careers, enhance the professional practice of teachers and build strong connections with the community.
Students & parents
Junior Research Engagement Program (2 x days) - open to Year 8 & 9 students
Cost: Includes tuition, lab materials, learning resources and catering for 2 days inclusive.
- Schools from low ICSEA schools less <950 = $50
- Regional & Remote students = $50
- Students from ICSEA school greater >950 = $130
Cost: Includes tuition, lab materials, learning resources and catering for 5 days inclusive.
- Schools from low ICSEA schools less <950 = $150
- Regional & Remote students = $150
- Students from ICSEA school greater >950 = $350
Parents are invited to attend the final day presentation delivered by students on the program, followed by light refreshments and opportunity for question time with SPARQ-ed staff and researchers.
Lions Medical Research Foundation Scholarship
The Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) proudly support the SPARQ-ed project by offering eligible regional & 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 & Senior Research immersion programs. For more information on the support LMRF offer to aspiring students from regional and remote Queensland, see the Lions Medical Research Foundation.
How to apply
Junior Research Engagement Program - Students complete the Junior Research Engagement Program registration form when the program opens and email to [email protected]. Limited time with places strictly limited.
Senior Research Immersion Program - Students complete the 2023 Senior Research Immersion Program application form in consultation with their Teacher and email together with your report card to [email protected] by the relevant Group closing date. Applications go before a review panel and are assessed according to strict criteria. Limited places are available in each session.
Lions Medical Research Foundation Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarship - To apply, regional and remote Queensland students complete the SPARQ-ed LMRF scholarship application form and email to [email protected] for consideration.
Forms
Junior Research Engagement Program registration form (.pdf) (.docx)
Senior Research Immersion Program application form Group 1 (.pdf) (.docx)
Senior Research Immersion Program application form Group 2 (.pdf) (.docx)
Senior Research Immersion Program application form Group 3 (.pdf) (.docx)
LMRF Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarship form (.pdf) (.docx)
Student Medical Information form
program dates 2023
JUNIOR RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM - Note, students must be in Year 8 or 9 in 2023 to apply.
- Session 1: 30 - 31 January 2023 (closed)
- Session 2: 2 - 3 February 2023 (closed)
- Session 3: 27 - 28 November 2023* Registrations open August 2023 for session 3 & 4 (date to be confirmed)
- Session 4: 30 November - 1 December 2023* Registrations open August 2023 for session 3 & 4 (date to be confirmed)
Group 1 – Application closing date: 13 February 2023
- Session 1: 27 March - 31 March 2023
- Session 2: 3 - 7 April 2023
- Session 3: 3 - 7 July 2023
- Session 4: 10 - 16 July 2023
- Session 5: 11 - 15 September 2023
- Session 6: 18 - 22 September 2023
teachers & SCIENCE technicians
School teachers can book a 2-hour Incursion workshop or a full day Excursion workshop experience for their students in Years 7-12. All experiences have been designed to complement the implementation of ACARA Science and QCAA Biology and Chemistry subjects. See our Events Calendar below for availability.
- Bacterial Transformation: Science, Biology
- Diagnosing Diabetes *(abridged version): Science, Biology, Chemistry
- DNA extraction from fruit: Upper Primary, Science
Cost: Includes tuition, lab materials and learning resources. You can check your school ICSEA index at the ‘My School' website: https://www.myschool.edu.au
- Schools with ICSEA value <950 = $ 100 per 2-hour session of up to 28 students
- Schools with ICSEA value >950 = $200 per 2-hour session of up to 28 students
- Working with DNA: Science, Biology, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
- Enzyme Inhibitors: 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 *(full version): Science, Biology, Chemistry, Certificate III Laboratory Skills
Cost: Includes tuition, lab materials and learning resources. You can check your school ICSEA index at the ‘My School' website: https://www.myschool.edu.au
- Schools with ICSEA value <950 = $ 100 per day up to 28 students
- Schools with ICSEA value >950 = $350 per day up to 28 students
how to apply
To book your experience, complete the Workshop registration form and email to [email protected]. Teachers can also contact SPARQ-ed to discuss how we can create a customised bespoke workshop experience for their students from the topics listed above.
School teachers and science technicians can register to attend Professional Development workshops designed by SPARQ-ed which supports school staff in implementing Biology, Chemistry, Australian Curriculum Science, and VET courses essential to the professional practise of teachers engaging students in STEM.
Cost: Includes lab materials, tuition and learning resources:
- Twilight session workshops - $35pp
- Full day workshops - $100pp
how to apply
To book your experience, complete the Professional Development registration form and email to [email protected].
Forms
Professional Development Workshop registration form
SPARQ-Ed events calendar
Early career researchers
SPARQ-ed aim to engage and collaborate with all researchers at TRI. To get involved and inspire the next generation of scientists, see our Event Calendar above for 'booked' sessions and contact the SPARQ-ed team at [email protected] or drop by our office on Level 2 for more information.
- SPARQ-ed Ambassador Program
- SPARQ-ed Tutor Scholarship
- SPARQ-ed Advisory Board
partners & industry
SPARQ-ed aim to engage and collaborate with all partners and industry at TRI. To get involved and inspire the next generation of scientists, contact the SPARQ-ed team at [email protected] or drop by our office on Level 2 to hear more about how you can engage with our students.
- Translational Research Institute (TRI)
- Queensland Government Department of Education (DoE)
- Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF)
- UQ Frazer Institute, QUT Research, PA Research, Mater Research
contact
- SPARQ-ed Program Leader: Charmaine Keal (DoE)
- SPARQ-ed Teacher: Jessica Malcolm (DoE)
- Administration & Engagement: Lily White (TRI)
Enquiries
+ 61 7 3443 6920
Email: [email protected]
Location
Level 2, Translational Research Institute (TRI), PA Hospital Campus
37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane Qld 4102 Australia