Mentor Application

BioGENEius overview

Tomorrow’s discoveries are dependent upon the development of future scientists, today.

Supporting young scientists is one of the best investments an organisation can make to realise the promise of biotechnology in solving today’s health, food and environmental challenges.

The sanofi-aventis BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia is an exciting way to inspire students to consider pursuing a science career. The BioGENEius Challenge offers a unique opportunity for high school students from years 8 to 12 to expand their horizons and be part of an international science program. The BioGENEius Challenge provides an opportunity for talented students with an inquiring mind and a passion for research to undertake a high-level biotechnology research project with the guidance of a biotechnology industry mentor.

Mentor role

The mentor plays an important role, guiding the student in the development of their project and providing access to laboratory resources and expertise in their research area. Mentors also provide advice on the final project report and poster presentation. The mentor role is voluntary and all resource costs including time and materials must be borne by the mentor organisation.

Who might I mentor?

The sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia is open to all Western Australian public and private school students in years 8 to 12 who are currently enrolled in any biology or science-related courses.

How do I get a student?

Eligible students are invited to nominate to participate in the BioGENEius Challenge. Nominations must be endorsed by each student’s science teacher and consent section signed by at least one parent.

Students must be self motivated, organised, have an interest in scientific research and be committed to working with their mentor for a full year.

Based on their nomination submissions, the Department of Commerce in consultation with the curriculum council will select and match suitable students to mentors. You will be advised of your recommended student and given first right of refusal. You will then meet you student and their parents at the Introductory Workshop on Monday 12 October.

Do you know a student?

You can mentor a student you already know through a BioGENEius project. Talk to the student and ask that they submit a nomination. On your Mentor Nomination Form, state the name and contact details of the student. The Department of Commerce will confirm the match.

Additional points

  • Students will be covered by insurance through Riskcover while participating in BioGENEius activities.

  • The Department of Commerce will make regular contact with participating students and mentors to ensure the projects are going smoothly and offer any support and assistance in maintaining project momentum as required.

Mentor benefits

Mentoring can bring a range of personal and professional benefits.

  • The mentor organisations who support WA’s two international finalists will receive assistance to attend the BIO Annual International Convention and the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge. Each organisation will receive a maximum of $5,000 for flights and accommodation as well as one registration for BIO (valued at an additional $2,000).

  • The profile of a mentor’s organisation will be raised within the local community as an organisation committed to community engagement and partnership, and providing opportunities for young people. The Department of Commerce will support mentor organisations in profile raising activities related to their participation in the BioGENEius Challenge.

  • Participation may assist the mentor’s organisation to fulfill community liaison and education outreach requirements of future grant applications.

  • Mentors will have the opportunity to share knowledge and play a key role in developing WA’s next generation of biotechnology scientists.

  • For post-graduate students, mentoring can provide a great opportunity to practice communication and supervision skills as well as offer teaching experience.

  • Mentors will be recognised by the Western Australian Government for their support and assistance with the sanofi-aventis BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia.

Mentor obligations

Mentors participating in the program must gree to the following:

  • You will work with your student throughout their project, developing a suitable project and meeting plan.

  • The sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia project must be the student’s own work with the mentor providing guidance.

  • Mentors are responsible for creating a safe workplace for participating students. Students working in a laboratory environment must have a laboratory induction and adhere to all relevant occupational health and safety regulations.

  • As of January 2008, the lead mentor must apply for a Volunteer Working with Children Check. This is the responsibility of the mentor however the cost of the Check will be reimbursed by the Department of Commerce. For more information on the Working with Children Check please go to www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au.

How to become a mentor

  • Contact the Department of Commerce to receive a briefing on the requirements of mentoring and read the Rules to make sure you understand the requirements of the competition.

  • Consider a possible research topic that your lab may be able to guide a student through. The project can be either a small component of a current research program, or a stand alone project. When considering a research topic, keep in mind:

    • Your knowledge and guidance are your most valuable contribution. BioGENEius students do not need access to overly expensive equipment or consumables to succeed. Students will be judged based on the level of knowledge and understanding they have of their project.

    • Participating students will be bright and self motivated but may not have had exposure to a research environment before. Remember, the students’ inexperience means that procedures that might seem dull or routine to you will be new and fresh to them.

    • Select an area that is broad enough to allow the student to refine their own research question.

    • Students should not do laboratory work which requires extensive hours. Consider projects which allow for experimental work to be completed within normal school hours (6 hour day with a break every 2 hours).

  • You may like to consider mentoring more than one student. This allows them to support each other during the project. Students must work individually and focus on different aspects of the research, with separate research questions, producing individual reports and posters.

  • Complete the Mentor Nomination Form by 5pm, Friday, 18 September 2009.

Next step

You will be advised of the recommended match by 23 September and given first right of refusal. If a match is confirmed, you will be required to do the following:

  • The Lead Mentor must lodge a Volunteer Working with Children Check at an Australia Post office. The cost of the Check ($10) will be reimbursed by the Department of Commerce.

  • Attend the introductory workshop on Monday 12 October 2009 from 4 – 5:30pm. At this workshop you will:

    • Be briefed about the BioGENEius program and program expectations including how to work with your student to develop their project plan.

    • Meet your student and their parents.

  • Your student must submit a project plan to the Department of Commerce by Monday 16 November 2009. This plan must be developed with guidance from you and support from their science teacher and parents.

  • Guide the student through their project over the year. Judging will be held in February 2010.