What’s happening?
The winners of the 2025 DPI Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition have been announced, celebrating the theme Insects in Agriculture, held at the Hermitage Research Facility on Yangan Road, Warwick, the competition recognised students from Prep to Year 12 across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria for their achievements in science and agriculture projects, posters and art entries.
Why it matters
The competition not only encourages students to explore science and agriculture but also highlights the role of insects in food production and sustainability. By engaging young minds early, it nurtures the next generation of agricultural scientists, teachers and innovators.
Local impact
Students from schools across Queensland were well represented, with standouts from Mareeba, Dalby, Oakey, Pilton, Warwick, Rockhampton and the Glasshouse Mountains. Regional participation also extended interstate, showing the competition’s growing reach.
By the numbers
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Over 100 individual and class prizes were awarded across categories.
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More than 20 schools across QLD, NSW, SA and VIC were recognised.
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The top prize, the Earthwatch Student Challenge Fellowship valued at $5000, went to Mareeba State High School’s Ava Willoughby.
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Key award recipients included:
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Teacher Award: Jay Chew from Timbarra P-9 School, VIC, named the Alan Cruickshank Memorial ‘Germinator’ STEM Teacher of the Year.
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Senior Students: Jordana Evans (Evans Homeschool, QLD) won the Paul Johnston Memorial Senior Science Award and the QUT Most Outstanding Poster Award.
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Junior Students: Aliyah Evans (Evans Homeschool, QLD) won the AIA Junior Science Achievement Award. Oakey State High’s Chloe Crighton took home both a runner-up science award and the QUT Poster Award.
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Primary Students: Ariel Evans (Evans Homeschool, QLD) won the Joe Baker Outstanding Achievement Award, while Dalby’s Abigail MacRae earned The Crawford Fund prize.
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Prep–Year 2: Pilton State School produced standout winners including Charles Henningsen and Rosie Rice.
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Art Awards: Warwick West State School was crowned Most Outstanding Team (P–6), while Queensland Children’s Hospital School took top honours for Years 7–12.
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Global BioQuest Champion: Glasshouse Christian College (QLD) named Australian School Champion, securing $1000 for science resources.
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The competition continues to be a flagship event during National Science Week, combining recognition with the Ag Science Expo at the Hermitage Research Facility. With interactive science displays, live animals, and keynote speakers, it remains a unique link between students and real-world agricultural research.
What to look for next?
Entries are now open for the 2026 Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition. Schools and students can register to be part of next year’s challenge,