Involving more students to launch a satellite into space and getting citizens participating in disability research are among the two Griffith University projects announced as winners of the Queensland Government’s Engaging Science Grants program.
SPASE 2.0, led by Professor Paulo De Souza, was awarded $19,803 and will widen the program tostudents from communities in the Logan area to create a small satellite capable of gathering real-time data on directional fluctuations of the Earth’s magnetic field.

“The SPASE 2.0 project will see additional school students from regional areas of Queensland join the project, which will hopefully lead to the satellite being launched into space later this year to gather data.

“Thanks to the Engaging Science Grants, we are providing students with an out-of-this-world experience as they gain opportunities to not only explore the wonder of space, but to also build their science and technology skills and understanding about STEM careers.”

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and Hopkins Centre Research Fellow Kelsey Chapman's profile photo.

Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability and Hopkins Centre Research Fellow Kelsey Chapman.

The Dignity Project, led by PhD candidate Kelsey Chapman, was awarded $19,950 and aims to strengthen opportunities and pathways for Queenslanders with disability to lead and develop research that matters most to them through a citizen science project that includes citizen-led pilot research projects across the seven key areas of the Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022-2027.

The grants provide funding to help increase engagement with scientists, as well as student and community participation in science-based events and activities.

Through the grants, the Queensland Government aims to inspire more students to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, promote STEM careers, and increase the community’s awareness of the amazing science happening in Queensland.

The grants also support citizen science projects that encourage people to volunteer their time to collect and analyse data that contributes to important Queensland research.

“STEM is becoming increasingly important as the need for new and innovative solutions to address global issues continues to grow,” Minister for Science Leanne Linard said.

“We are committed to increasing participation in STEM-based activities across the state, particularly among our First Nations peoples, girls and women, and disadvantaged groups.

“I am very proud that more than 75% of funding in this round of the Engaging Science Grants will go towards projects that target these under-represented groups.

“Scientific innovation and discovery are the building blocks of a sustainable and thriving society, and investing in STEM projects is an investment in our future.”