Student Application
What is the BioGENEius Challenge?
The sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia provides an opportunity for motivated and talented high school students to undertake outstanding research in the field of biotechnology.
If selected to be part of the BioGENEius Challenge, you will have the opportunity to work with a professional scientist who will mentor you through the development of a biotechnology research project.
As part of the program you will also participate in workshops held over the year which will assist you in the development of your project and judging submission. These activities are held outside of school hours. Participation in the Challenge is in addition to your regular school work.
At the conclusion of your project you will need to submit a research
project report, your laboratory journal and a scientific poster for
judging.
The top two students will be named WA’s Regional Finalists and
will compete in the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge,
receiving an all-expenses paid trip to the USA. The international finals
will take place in Chicago from 2 to 5 May 2010. Judging will take place
in February/March 2010.
For more information read the Overview,
and Rules.
Are you a BioGENEius?
To successfully complete a sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia project, you must be highly motivated, organised and have an interest in scientific research. The BioGENEius Challenge requires that you commit to working on your project and meet with your mentor outside of school hours.
You will be responsible for directing your own research project. This includes
Preparing a Project Brief outlining how your research will be conducted in consultation with your mentor
Enlisting any needed supervisory adults (Mentor, Parents, Science teacher etc.), to help you in developing your project. It is up to you to ensure regular contact with your mentor
Organising your travel for lab sessions and meetings with your mentor. Be aware that most researchers are located at the four universities in Western Australia.
Ensuring the work is your own and your final submissions for judging are your own - your mentor only guides the development of your project
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Such practices include plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will be disqualified.
At the conclusion of your project, submit for judging:
A research project report
Your laboratory journal
A scientific poster.
If shortlisted as a Semi Finalists:
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Be prepared to present your findings in a 10 minute presentation to the judging panel followed by 5 minutes of questions from the panel
Remember that while you are working with your mentor or participating in BioGENEius Challenge activities you are representing your school. Your school rules still apply at these times and appropriate behaviour during all stages of the competition is required.
How to get involved
This is a unique opportunity to conduct real-world research with a mentor working within the biotechnology field. Here’s how you can be in the running.
Talk to your science teacher. The sanofi-aventis BioGENEius Challenge of Western Australia is open to all high school students however you must be nominated by your science teacher. If your teacher doesn't know about the Challenge, please direct them to the website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/bioGENEius and ask them to contact the Department of Commerce
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Submit a Nomination Form. Submit your completed nomination form to Janelle Barnes, at the Department of Commerce by 5pm Friday 18 September 2009.
Students will be notified if they have been accepted into the BioGENEius
Challenge by 25 September 2009. Selected students will then participate
in an afternoon Introductory Workshop where they will meet their mentors
on Monday 12 October 2009.
