DSTG Secondary School Prize

Proudly sponsored by Defence Science and Technology Group

A Defence Science and Technology (DSTG) School Prize of $500 will be awarded to the school with the highest aggregate score in each of the following school categories; Junior Secondary (7-10) and Senior Secondary (11 & 12). The second school in each category will receive a DSTG School Prize of $250.

Selection criteria: For each prize-winner in every category and year level the following points will be accumulated.

Place Points
1st prize 4 points
2nd prize 3 points
3rd prize 2 points
Highly Commended   1 point

The DSTG offers a rewarding career with the chance to work with many of Australia’s leading scientists and engineers, access to some of the most advanced technology and facilities currently available, links with other national and international organisations, excellent career development opportunities, and travel.

In undertaking its research, the impact of DSTG, particularly on electronics industry in South Australia, has been huge. As the largest scientific facility in Australia, DSTG Edinburgh is a major employer and innovator of electronics in Australia.

DSTG Edinburgh, north of Adelaide, can offer careers in computer science, information technology, electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, behavioural or cognitive science and psychology.

DSTG is part of the Department of Defence. Its role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

 

South Australian Young Scientist Awards

Proudly sponsored by the Department for Education

The Department for Education has been a sponsor of the SASTA Oliphant Science Awards since their inception in 1981, and is delighted to continue this arrangement as a Platinum Sponsor in 2024.

The SASTA Oliphant Science Awards exemplify the inquiry based approach to the teaching and learning of Science that is so important in engaging our students, and in supporting the development of their scientific understanding and processes that leads to improved scientific literacy.

For many young people their experience of science at school sets a pattern that lasts throughout life. The Department for Education is strongly committed to each and every student having the opportunity to experience the joy of scientific discovery, and to apply their natural curiosity to their world. All students are supported in developing the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national, global issues, and to participate, if they so wish, in science related careers.

The Department for Education has a major role in the South Australian Government Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Skills strategy. Through our own Department for Education STEM Strategy we are ensuring all educators connect with the latest in teaching practices and the wide range of programs available to support their work.

Place Prize
1st prize (R-4, 5-8 & 9-12)  $500 cash
2nd prize (R-4, 5-8 & 9-12)  $250 cash
3rd prize (R-4, 5-8 & 9-12)  $100 cash
4th prize (R-4, 5-8 & 9-12) $50 cash

 

The Department for Education acknowledges the role that SASTA, through its many volunteers, plays in engaging so many students in Science inquiry and in the promotion of scientific literacy, and is proud to sponsor and support this important project.

 

Rowe Scientific Sponsor Prizes

Rowe Scientific are proud sponsors of the Oliphant Science Awards and are keen to promote greater interest by students in all aspects of science, with a view to that interest influencing students’ future career choices.

Further information and criteria can be found below.

Rowe Scientific Emerging Talent Awards

Awarded to the two best Primary and two best Secondary entries from regional or disadvantaged schools*. Each recipient will be awarded $500 cash.

Rowe Scientific Regional Science & Engineering Awards

  • Entry is open to students in remote and regional schools (students from metro disadvantaged schools* may also enter)
  • Entry in Models & Inventions and Scientific Inquiry categories only 
  • Entries will be judged in both the overall competition and the Regional Science & Engineering Awards.
  • Entries must be submitted electronically (see Models & Inventions and Scientific Inquiry category pages for more information about rules and electronic submission)

*Category 1 & 2 schools (Index of Educational Disadvantage by school) or ICSEA less than 1050 (Index of Community Socio-educational Advantage - search school name for ICSEA value).

 

Other Sponsor Prizes

Please note that these prizes are correct at the time of publishing however they may be subject to change

Australian Institute of Energy Prizes (R-12) For the best entry in each year level category with a sustainable generation and uses of energy theme.
Australian Institute of Physics Prize (R-12) For the best student project with a physics theme.
Catholic Education SA Primary Schools Prize Awarded to two primary schools that have the highest number of winning entries.
Flinders University Sustainability Prize (7-12) For the most outstanding entry covering a sustainability issue in South Australia.
Flinders University Fearless Science Prize (7-12) For the most outstanding entry looking at a big problem we face, especially in South Australia.

Flinders University Regional Student Prize (R-12)

 For the most outstanding entry from a student in a regional area.
Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Prize (R-8) For the most outstanding entry with a chemistry theme.
SA Museum Photography Prizes (R-6 & 7-12)

For the best Photography entry including natural fauna, flora or natural land/sky formations and must have been taken in the Australia/New Zealand bioregion.
University of Adelaide - Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology (7-12) For the most outstanding entry highlighting the benefits of scientific research to the community
University of Adelaide - Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology (7-12) For the most outstanding entry with an engineering, mathematical or computing theme.
University of South Australia – Sustainable  Future Prizes (R-6 & 7-12) For the most inspiring entry highlighting the value of Information Technology, Engineering and Environmental Science to a Sustainable Future.
Wine Australia (R-4, 5-8 & 9-12) For the most outstanding entries in Models and Inventions or Scientific Inquiry that highlight food chemistry

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