Science and Engineering News
Ms Wendy Macdonald - Curriculum Leader - Science and Engineering
This year I am happy to announce that we have a team of ten Year 11 UQ Science Ambassadors. They are a group of student leaders who will promote a positive culture of science learning. Through their role, ambassadors develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while encouraging others to see science as relevant, accessible, and exciting. Congratulations to the following group of students: Jeremy Harvey, Ben Gilbert, Lincoln Rucker, Harrison Monaghan, Sid Dilli, Murphy Lunney, Carter Costello, Adrian Simon, Lachlan Chandler and Jack Liddell. You will be hearing more from the ambassadors next term.
UQ Science in the News
Blood Clots: The Hidden Sting in Scorpion Venom
A recent study from The University of Queensland (UQ) has revealed that the venom of fat‑tailed scorpions carries a previously unrecognised and potentially deadly effect of triggering rapid blood clotting in humans, alongside its well‑known neurotoxic action. This dual threat adds a new layer of complexity to the treatment of scorpion stings and opens promising avenues for medical research.
The research, led by Professor Bryan Fry and PhD candidate Sam Campbell from UQ’s School of the Environment, focused on scorpions from the Androctonus genus, which are found across the Middle East and North Africa. While their venom is infamous for overwhelming the nervous system and causing heart failure, laboratory testing showed that it also accelerates clot formation in human blood plasma.
By analysing the venom’s biochemical activity, the team discovered that it activates key clotting proteins, Factors VII and X in a process dependent on activated Factor V. Importantly, standard antivenoms commonly used to counter scorpion neurotoxicity did not neutralise this clotting effect, highlighting a potential blind spot in current clinical treatments.
Encouragingly, the researchers found that two metalloprotease inhibitors, marimastat and prinomastat, were able to block the venom‑induced clotting. This insight suggests that adjunct therapies targeting venom enzymes could improve patient outcomes, especially in severe envenomation cases. Beyond treatment, the discovery may also inform the development of new diagnostic tools and drugs to control bleeding disorders or manage blood loss during surgery.
Reference: The University of Queensland, (2026, March 4). Blood clot sting in the tail of scorpion venom. https://news.uq.edu.au/2026-03-blood-clot-sting-tail-scorpion-venom
Upcoming Opportunities
Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is on Sunday 28 June - Wednesday 1 July. This four-day residential program at UQ’s Gatton campus offers hands-on workshops, activities, and the chance to learn from passionate students and expert staff. You will get a real taste of university life while exploring cutting-edge science that shapes our world. Registrations close Monday 27 April 2026. See FEAST - Faculty of Science - University of Queensland
Junior Physics Odyssey (JPhO)
Monday 6 - Thursday 9 July. JPhO is a four-day non-residential program held at UQ St Lucia for Year 10 students with an interest in physics, science and mathematics.
Applications close Wednesday 13 May 2026. Learn more and apply for JPhO now
Year 11 Queensland Chemistry Winter School (QCWS)
Monday 29 June - Tuesday 30 June
Monday 6 July - Tuesday 7 July
Are you a Year 11 student eager to dive into the world of chemistry? The Queensland Chemistry Winter School at UQ offers hands-on experiments, expert-led lectures, and interactive workshops covering equilibrium, redox reactions, acids and bases, chromatography, and more! Applications close Friday 1 May 2026 Learn more and apply for QCWS now
Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School (11QBWS)
Thursday 2 July- Friday 3 July The UQ Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School (11QBWS) explores contemporary biology topics, including biodiversity, cell, animal, and plant physiology, biophysics, and how diverse biological disciplines are interconnected. Applications close Sunday 24 May 2026. Learn more and apply for QBWS11.
SPARQ-ed Senior Research Immersion Program 2026
Registrations for Group 2 close 3 May 2026 Learn more and submit an EOI
The Senior program is open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from across Queensland who are passionate about STEM. This unique opportunity offers students the chance to explore hands-on introductory biomedical research using the latest equipment and technology in a fully equipped PC2 research lab environment. Across the 5 days, students will work on a real live research project, alongside teachers and research scientists at the Translational Research Institute, where they will examine, test and analyse your results and develop their communication and research skills
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program
Applications open in April 2026. The NYSF Year 12 Program is designed for students entering Year 12 in 2027, offering a unique opportunity to explore and gain a broader understanding of the many study and career pathways available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Learn more about NSYF Year 12 Program
Coral Reef Rescue: Free Online Courses
Are you passionate about preserving our reefs? 🌊Two free UQ courses covering reef ecology, sustainable development, and protection strategies:
- CRRI101x Introduction to Challenges and Solutions
CRRI103x Sustainable Blue Economy