Now in its seventh year, our partnership with Distinguished Professor Dietmar W Hutmacher and his research team at the Max Planck Queensland Centre, School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering at QUT, provides an exceptional opportunity for QACI students.
Each year, our science-focused our Year 12 students can apply to take part in this unique mentorship program. Successful applicants are paired with a QUT PhD researcher who provides individual guidance and support as they complete their IB Extended Essay — a 4000-word independent investigation requiring depth, focus, and critical inquiry. Alongside this mentorship, students also gain access to QUT’s world-class facilities, allowing them to experience a genuine university-level research environment.
This year, students explored a range of innovative scientific questions:
- Dawn examined the influence of hyperosmotic stress on the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus in hydrogels.
- Katie investigated the effects of different growth mediums on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.
- Gloria researched the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells.
- Charlie explored the effect of salvianolic acid B concentration on cell growth and branching.
- Justin analysed the degradation kinetics of polylactic acid polymers under varying pH conditions.
- Olive examined the suitability of polycaprolactone polymers as medical plasters under different pH environments.
Congratulations to our students for their rigorous and thought-provoking contributions, culminating in both a substantial written essay and formal presentations to the QUT research team. This partnership not only strengthens their scientific knowledge but also reflects the IB learner profile by fostering curiosity, independence, and collaboration.
Learn more about the Max Planck Queensland Centre: https://research.qut.edu.au/mpqc/