Eight secondary school students from across Queensland travelled to UQ to participate in the School of Mathematics and Physics Astrophysics Work Experience Program from 14-18 September 2026.
Throughout the week, students worked alongside staff, gaining first-hand insight into astrophysics research and university life. Guided by mentors, they explored a range of research topics while developing their own projects and building practical scientific skills.
The program offered a variety of hands-on experiences, including astrophysics simulations using OzGrav virtual reality headsets, a spectroscope construction workshop led by Physics Teaching Laboratory Coordinator Dr Gil Toombes, observations of active solar flares through dedicated solar telescopes, and interactive demonstrations presented by the UQ Science Demo Troupe.
Students were also introduced to the broader research environment by sitting in on a Queensland Universities Astronomy and Space Research meeting, where they observed a live collaboration between researchers from UQ, the University of Southern Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. They gained further insight into scientific communication by attending the SMP Research Student Poster Day, where they saw researchers presenting and discussing their work in an academic setting.
On the final day of the program, students analysed their findings and transformed their research into posters of their own. They then presented their work at an open Work Experience Poster Session attended by School staff and students. The week concluded with a certificate presentation recognising each student's successful completion of the program.
The Astrophysics Work Experience Program provided participants with a valuable glimpse into the world of astrophysics research while helping them develop knowledge, skills and confidence that will support their future studies in science.
The School thanks all staff, PhD students and volunteers who contributed to the success of the program and helped inspire the next generation of scientists.
