Highlights from e-Meet a Biomedical Scientist 2026

From the lab to the classroom. In celebration of National Science Week high school students had the opportunity to meet our experts and learn about all things biomedical sciences.

Each year we celebrate National Science Week by connecting our University of Melbourne Biomedical Scientists with Victorian high school students.

^{Image: Dr Mike Clark at Mt Alexander College}

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to talk to one of our passionate Biomedical Researchers, who are dedicated to solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges – all from the centre of the Southern Hemisphere's largest biomedical precinct!

It was very beneficial for our students to hear from a young, successful, and passionate female scientist.

^{– Head of Science, Presbyterian Ladies College}

Our experts – many of whom are global leaders in their research field, aim to inspire the next generation of Biomedical Scientists through the program.

The highlight for me was speaking with students from a girls’ school and having the opportunity to show them the range of careers available in biomedical science. I really enjoyed their questions about what they could start considering now to work towards a career in this field. I also valued the opportunity to act as a mentor and share my own experiences and insights with students who are beginning to consider their future pathways.

^{- UniMelb researcher}

Students in Years 10–12 from across metropolitan, regional and rural schools were invited to ask questions about what it's like to make a major scientific discovery, how it feels to change the course of a person’s health – and life, what career pathways are available for budding young Biomedical Scientists, what are the latest technologies available in modern-day, cutting-edge science laboratories...and much more!

This is a great link for our students who are making subject selections and considering science as an option to hear what life could be like working in industry or in research…and to learn more about the opportunities available to them once they leave school.

^{– Teacher, Xavier College}

^{Image:  Ashleigh Hayes presents to the Riverina Anglican College Wagga Wagga}

I think it is a great opportunity for students to hear directly from academics about their work and also the pathways that they took to get there.

^{– Teacher, Sacred Heart Girls College}

We would like to give a special thanks to our researchers who were involved in this program this year:

• Ashleigh Hayes
• Dr Brendon Chua
• Dr Carolien van de Sandt
• Dr Chris Freelance
• Dr Daniella Hock
• Dominika Michalek
• Dr Kate Hatzopoulos
• Dr Louise Rowntree
• Dr Maciej Daniszewski
• A/Prof Melanie Eckersley-Maslin
• Dr Mike Clark
• Dr Naveen Vankadari
• A/Prof Paul McMillan
• Prof Peter Crack
• Prof Sophie Valkenburg

The students were engaged and asked lots of questions which was great. It was a regional school so they were curious about my journey as I’m also from a regional background.

^{- UniMelb Lab Manager}