Overview

Biotechnology will be one of the major knowledge-based industries in the 21st Century

The BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia offers a unique opportunity for high school students from years 8 to 12 to undertake a high-level biotechnology research project under the mentorship of a biotechnology researcher.

This is an annual science competition which seeks to raise public awareness, especially among high school students and teachers, about biotechnology and to encourage more students to consider careers in this field.

The ultimate aim is to develop the next generation of industry professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs, and work towards a goal of growing a sustainable biotechnology industry for Western Australia. Western Australia is the seventh region to participate in the international BioGENEius Challenge.

The BioGENEius Challenge is an international competition involving students from across the USA, Canada and Western Australia. Each year WA’s top two students will be selected to represent WA in the international competition and, together with their mentors will travel to the US to compete.

General notes

The BioGENEius Challenge is open to students in years 8 - 12 enrolled in biology or science-related courses in any public or private school within WA.
Selected students are matched with a scientist engaged in biotechnology research who mentors them through a biotechnology research project.
Selected students are bright and self-motivated with an interest in science, particularly biology, and/or mathematics.
Each year, two student’s research projects will be competitively selected to compete at the international competition in the US.
It is an extra-curricular competition running from February to February each year.
Students are able to undertake ongoing research across multiple years submitting the current work for judging each year.
Students work individually addressing a unique research question, no group work is allowed.
The project can be either a small component of a current research program, or a stand alone project.
The time required for the student to work on their projects will vary. Work may be conducted at home, at the school, with the mentor or in the mentor’s lab. As a guide, the mentor should expect to have contact with the student at least once a fortnight and possibly more frequently during the participant’s school holidays.
Mentors’ knowledge and guidance are their most valuable contribution. BioGENEius students do not need access to expensive equipment or consumables to succeed.

For more information about the Challenge refer to:

Do you want to know more about Biotechnology?

Do you want to make a difference? Change people's lives? Help the environment?

Get involved in the exciting world of biotechnology and you can do all this and more!

Biotechnology is a broad term applied to the practical use of living organisms-it covers traditional applications such as the use of microorganisms in the fermentation of beer to the most sophisticated application of gene therapy

Biotechnology is the most exciting science of the 21st century. Developments in biotechnology promise to revolutionise human health and wellbeing, improve industrial practices, and provide enhancements to environmental management. It underpins a broad range of industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, animal health, gene technology, health, reproduction, environment, energy, mining, and even crime fighting!

If you are highly motivated, organised and have an interest in scientific research, the BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia is your opportunity to get an early introduction to the biotechnology industry. As a BioGENEius student you will conduct your own research project that may indeed change the world.

To learn more about biotechnology, refer to our useful links section.