Some of the State’s brightest young minds have spent the start of their school holidays working alongside QUT scientists on a range of real world research projects, as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s 2018 STEM Camp.

Now in its sixth year, STEM Camp offers 160 fully-funded places, to high-achieving Year 11 students from across Queensland and northern NSW.

QUT STEM Teacher in Residence, Patricia Hosking, said the week-long event was designed to accelerate the teenagers’ understanding and exposure to research and innovation in STEM.

“Each year, the camp provides a wonderful opportunity for students with a keen interest in STEM to explore some of the major challenges facing our society and planet today – and to look at some of the potential solutions,” Ms Hosking said.

“The teens work with each other, and with our researchers, on ground-breaking projects that are happening right now, inside our world-class research facilities.

“These students are the next generation of STEM leaders. They are the people who will be shaping our world as researchers, entrepreneurs and inventors, and this week has given them the chance to fuel their thirst for knowledge and really explore the incredible career options on offer in STEM.”

Over the course of the week, highlights have included helping to assess real patients in QUT’s health clinics; developing video games and competing in the final playoffs in QUT’s eSports Arena; building and launching rockets at The Cube; and designing highways in the sky for future transport systems.

The feedback from students who’ve participated in the Vice-Chancellor’s 2018 STEM Camp includes:

• “STEM Camp has opened my eyes to so many opportunities. It has made me realise that I have a passion for a career that I hadn’t even considered before.” Esandi, Brisbane State High School.

• “It has given us a taste of real world research which has really clarified what I want to do after high school.” Salma, Kelvin Grove Secondary College.

• “STEM Camp is such an exciting opportunity for Regional Students looking to expand their STEM experiences. It’s reassuring to know that QUT makes such an amazing experience such as this available to regional students.” Josef, Shalom Catholic College (Bundaberg).

This year’s participants join a now almost 1,000-strong cohort of graduates from QUT’s VC STEM Camp, with most going on to further STEM study at university.

Applications for the 2019 STEM Camp will open in April. An album of images can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

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