Bright SPARQs of the Future
*SPARQ-ed pronounce [spark-ed] is a unique biomedical educational program for school students, delivered through a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Translational Research Institute. *Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland education
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
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: Registrations opening date 18 November 2024
- Session 1: 31 March – 04 April 2025
- Session 2: 07 – 11 April 2025
Group 2: Registrations opening date TBC
- Session 3: 23 – 27 June 2025
- Session 4: 30 June – 04 July 2025
Group 3: Registrations opening date TBC
- Session 5: 15 - 19 September 2025
- Session 6: 22 – 26 September 2025
Email your support documents to [email protected]
Junior Research Engagement Program
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:
Group 3: Registrations now closed
- Session 5: 2 - 3 December 2024
- Session 6: 5 - 6 December 2024
2025
Group 1: Registrations opening date 18 November 2024
- Session 1: 17-18 February 2025
- Session 2: 20-21 February 2025
Group 2: Registrations opening date TBC
- Session 3: 29-30 May 2025
- Session 4: 18-19 August 2025
Group 3: Registrations opening date TBC
- Session 5: 01-02 December 2025
- Session 6: 04-05 December 2025
Email your supporting documents to [email protected]
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
Registrations opening date 8 October 2024
Professional Development Workshops
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.
Semester 1: 14 March 2025
- Registrations opening date TBC
- Topic TBC
Semester 2: 05 September 2025
- Registrations opening date TBC
- Topic TBC
SPARQ-ed Regional Roadshow: 17 - 21 November 2025
- Registrations opening date TBC
Regional and Remote Student Scholarship
Lions Medical Research Foundation Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarship
The Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) proudly support the SPARQ-ed program 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 SPARQ-ed Senior and Junior Research Immersions. SPARQ-ed will include the scholarship application submission form for students to complete once accepted into the program.
Read more about the Lions Medical Research Foundation and how the Foundation supports medical research.
Events & News
SPARQ-ed 2024 Life Sciences Queensland GENE AWARDS Finalists for the Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Awards.
How you can get involved...
- SPARQ-ed Ambassador Program
- SPARQ-ed Tutor Scheme
- SPARQ-ed Alumni
- Sponsorship
- Events
