Diamantina Institute

Students Performing Advanced Research QLD - education

SPARQ-ed (pronounced spark- ed) is a unique educational facility for school students, established in collaboration between the Department of Education and The University of Queensland. Our cutting edge facility features a fully equipped PC2 biomedical teaching laboratory and learning centre, located at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane, providing school students with a practical introduction to biomedical research and teachers with curriculum aligned professional development workshops.

Our Vision - To be a leader in Australian STEM education by delivering innovative biomedical research education that fosters the development of aspiring and successful 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.

Experiences
Research Immersion Program
Our leading program covers of a 5 day immersion experience, providing students in Years 10-12 an opportunity to conduct an experimental project in our PC2 laboratory collaborating with one of TRI’s world ranked biomedical research groups .
Workshops
Schools can book a 2 hour Incursion workshop or a 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.
Professional Development
Workshops designed to support School staff in implementing Biology, Chemistry, Australian Curriculum Science, and VET courses essential to the professional practise of teachers engaging students in STEM.

Latest News

Session 1 & 2 registrations for 2023 Junior Research Engagement Program are now closed. For more information on applying in 2023 click Research Immersion. 

Applications for 2023 Senior Research Immersion Program open 15 November 2022. For more information on how to apply click Research Immersion. 

Bookings for 2023 Workshop Experiences are now open. For more information on how to apply click Workshops to book your next school experience.

Note:  Qld Health has moved to ‘amber’ under the state’s new traffic light system, based on an increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations. Visitors to TRI may not enter the building if experiencing any cold or flu symptoms or have currently tested positive to COVID-19. 5-day isolation period still applies.
 

Media flash 

Skin microbiopsy device developed by UQ researchers that takes tissue samples smaller than 0.5mm in diameter, which could make diagnosing skin cancers instant and almost pain-free. It is now going through final stages of product development. Read more

SPARQ-ed Research Immersion Program:  Mater PhD students help ignite a passion for medical research with SPARQ-ed

Events Calendar

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UQ Medicine magazine:  medicine.uq.edu.au/magazine

Contact

The SPARQ-ed facility is located on Level 2 of the Translational Research Institute (TRI) at the Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital campus in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.

Enquiries: + 61 7 3443 6920
Email: sparqed@uq.edu.au

SPARQ-ed Team

  • Head of Department: Charmaine Keal
  • Science Teacher: Jessica Malcolm
  • Administration & Engagement Officer: Lily White

Postal Address

SPARQ-ed
Rm 2008, Level 2 Translational Research Institute
37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane Qld 4102

Getting to SPARQ-ed

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