State's up-and-coming scientists accept Brain Bee Challenge
Published Tuesday, 24 June, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
More than 100 of the state’s brightest science-minded Year 10 and 11 students today demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of neuroscience, with the official launch of the 2008 Australian Brain Bee Challenge state finals.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Challenge, an initiative of the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute and Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, supported the Government’s initiatives to foster an interest in science and to improve science education.
“This year, more than 2000 Year 10 and 11 Queensland students took part in round one of the Challenge,” Mr Welford said.
“They will be tested on their knowledge of topics such as intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movement, stress, sleep and addiction.
“This challenge helps the scientific community to engage with our state’s best and brightest young people, and encourage them to enter the field of neuroscience research.
“The field of health sciences is tipped to be one of the fastest-growing sectors for employment over the next five years.
“With the growing incidence of brain-related disorders, it’s vital that we prepare our young people for careers in science, particularly neuroscience and encourage them to consider research as a career.
“Our Government has invested in high-quality research facilities in our universities and other scientific institutes, including the Academy for Science, Maths and Technology at Toowong and the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences.
“The Academies are developing the ability of students to research, investigate and reflect on local and global matters.”
Mr Welford said four Senior Science Officers were also building stronger partnerships with “real world” scientific industry and research organisations.
“The Senior Science Officers work statewide to identify scientists—individuals, teams or whole organisations—to work with teachers and students in schools,” he said.
“This program is improving career prospects for our students and further cementing Queensland as the Smart State.
“Initiatives like the Australian Brain Bee Challenge encourage students to broaden their horizons and to consider research as a career. I congratulate the University of Queensland and the Queensland Brain Institute for encouraging students to rise to the Challenge.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Challenge, an initiative of the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute and Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, supported the Government’s initiatives to foster an interest in science and to improve science education.
“This year, more than 2000 Year 10 and 11 Queensland students took part in round one of the Challenge,” Mr Welford said.
“They will be tested on their knowledge of topics such as intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movement, stress, sleep and addiction.
“This challenge helps the scientific community to engage with our state’s best and brightest young people, and encourage them to enter the field of neuroscience research.
“The field of health sciences is tipped to be one of the fastest-growing sectors for employment over the next five years.
“With the growing incidence of brain-related disorders, it’s vital that we prepare our young people for careers in science, particularly neuroscience and encourage them to consider research as a career.
“Our Government has invested in high-quality research facilities in our universities and other scientific institutes, including the Academy for Science, Maths and Technology at Toowong and the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences.
“The Academies are developing the ability of students to research, investigate and reflect on local and global matters.”
Mr Welford said four Senior Science Officers were also building stronger partnerships with “real world” scientific industry and research organisations.
“The Senior Science Officers work statewide to identify scientists—individuals, teams or whole organisations—to work with teachers and students in schools,” he said.
“This program is improving career prospects for our students and further cementing Queensland as the Smart State.
“Initiatives like the Australian Brain Bee Challenge encourage students to broaden their horizons and to consider research as a career. I congratulate the University of Queensland and the Queensland Brain Institute for encouraging students to rise to the Challenge.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000