A University of the Sunshine Coast competition is set to open up a ‘field of dreams’ for five high school students seeking careers in science.
The search is on for Australia’s most eager field-tripper to join UniSC researchers in an eco-experience found nowhere else in the world.
The uni has launched the Best Field Trip in the World competition, in which five Year 11 or 12 students will win the chance to join world-class scientists in some of the most Instagrammable places on Earth.
The prize is a four-day adventure from April 13-16 featuring crocodiles, koalas, virtual reality, fine dining, rugby league, surfing, cultural immersion, science in scenic places, plus a five-star hotel and orporate box.
The adventure stretches from Brisbane, through the Sunshine Coast and north to the Fraser Coast and K’gari (Fraser Island).
UniSC Pro Vice-Chancellor (global and engagement) Alex Elibank Murray said the university’s five campuses spanned some of the world’s most stunning and educational landscapes, making it a field-tripper’s paradise.
“It’s a real-life UniSC student experience, because our students get to complete work integrated learning as part of almost every degree we offer,” Ms Elibank Murray said.
“Our campuses are located across three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (of only five in Australia) – the only place in the world where three biospheres are connected.”
A biosphere is globally recognised an ‘international site of excellence’ where people live and work sustainably alongside active conservation and sustainable development.
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Queensland’s reserves stretch 222 kilometres from the world’s largest sand island at K’gari, through coastlines and waterways to the subtropical rainforests and mountains of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
“This competition will give five lucky winners the chance to not only immerse themselves in the scenery and activities, but to meet some of the scientists, sportspeople and innovators making an impact in the region as well as visiting the special creatures that live here,” Ms Elibank Murray said.
Entrants must submit a 60-second video entry that answers the question: What do you hope to gain from this experience?
The winner will engage with UniSC researchers leading the way in their fields – from Professor Peter Timms who is driving Queensland’s development of a vaccine for koala chlamydia, to Dr Javier Leon whose drone work is changing the way we understand beaches.
Dr Leon said a highlight of his research work was to engage the next generation of environmental researchers out in nature, particularly the beach, where he’ll be using drones and helping lead a one-on-one surf lesson at Noosa as part of the field trip.
“Noosa is home to one of the world’s most-loved surf beaches, and I love being able to bring students to such an incredible place to get hands-on geography lessons,” Dr Leon said.
UniSC Honours student Pablo Fuenzalida, who conducts field research on sea and land, said being out in the field was important for fitness, wellbeing and absorbing lessons.
“It doesn’t feel like a job when you get to work at the beach on Noosa or K’gari,” he said.
“Whether you’re collecting rubbish or counting crabs or measuring waves, being there and seeing the ecosystem around you paints the whole picture for a project … and I love being outdoors.”
The Best Field Trip in the World Competition is now open for entries and closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday, March 15.
Lodge entries and see terms and conditions on the website.
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