Algae Innovation Challenge Student Q&A

Learn about design thinking for innovation, from UTS Climate Change Cluster alumni & biodesigner Dr Jestin George

Profile photo of Jestin George, PhD in algae biotechnology and biodesigner, with quote "I work and play on Gadigal land, Sydney, NSW. Algae biotech helps to make the invisible world of microorganisms more visible to humans. I get excited thinking about the cultural shifts this might bring, both between humans and non-humans"

Register for the Algae Innovation Challenge to receive a link to the zoom webinar with Dr Jestin George, UTS Climate Change Cluster alumni & biodesigner, who will walk you through the design thinking process for innovating with biology!

Algae Innovation Challenge

We've teamed up with science education extraordinaires Fizzics Education and Virtual Excursions Australia, to run the Algae Innovation Challenge, for year 7-10 students during National Science Week.

The ‘Algae Innovation Challenge’ introduces students to algae, one of Earth’s most ancient, adaptive and resourceful organisms, which scientists and innovators are harnessing with technology to meet the sustainability challenges of the 21st century.

The Challenge provides students with an "Innovation Guide" which allows for self directed learning in team-work, creative and scientific thinking, presenting and entrepreneurial skills vital for equipping the next generation of changemakers to reimagine ‘business as usual’ and build tomorrow’s green solutions, today.

Challenge Question

How can we grow a greener future with algae?

Design a product or a process, using algae, that makes an existing product or process more sustainable.

Once registered, students are given access to additional NSW Stage 4/5 Science curriculum-mapped resources. These additional resources allow for self-directed or teacher-led learning for students who want to dig deeper.

Registered schools receive access to resources curated by scientists and educators at the NSW Deep Green Biotech Hub including:

  • Student Innovation Guide for self-directed learning on how to brainstorm, develop, and pitch your own innovative sustainable business ideas, with an “inspiration station” linking students to additional resources on the emerging, cutting-edge field of biotechnology as well as aspects of algae biology, climate change science, and design-thinking.
  • 4x short educational videos (links in guide)
  • Amazing Algae Resource – a more in-depth science program that’s mapped to NSW stages 4/5 Science Curriculum
  • 30mins w/ a UTS Scientist through the Student Q&A session 2pm Friday 23 Jul AEST

To register, visit the official site at Virtual Excursions Australia 

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Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.