The flagship service offered by SPARQ-ed are the Research Immersion Programs. These are week-long enrichment ativities offered to senior students and teachers in which participants undertake a scientific project devised in collaboration with one of the Diamantina Institute's world renowned research groups.

For each research immersion program, a project is designed which can be carried out by the participants over the course of five consecutive days. The project aim is normally to perform research to answer a question which is connected to the work of the contributing group. If all goes according to plan, the work done by the participants should be able to contribute to the work of the research group. These programs are conducted in a dedicated teaching laboratory on-site at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, under the supervision of a Coordinator (an experienced registered science teacher) and tutors drawn from the Institute's post-graduate students.

In past projects, participants have used advanced cell and molecular biology techniques to create gene constructs used in research into metabolic disorders, create libraries of mutated versions of genes important in molecular virology and cancer research, and cloned segments of genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle. The techniques used included the polymerase chain reaction, site-directed mutagenesis, genetic recombination and transformation of bacteria and DNA sequencing. In carrying out these techniques, participants learn how the theory they learn in the classroom is put into practical use. A list of the projects undertaken to date (with their acompanying manuals and other resources) can be found here.

In addition to the experimental program, participants have the opportunity to interact with a dynamic group of students and scientists as they try solve some of the pressing biomedical issues facing society. Participants attend research seminars at the cutting edge of biomedical science and learn valuable academic research skills in a tutorial at the Joint UQ / PA Hospital medical library. The culmination of the week is a closing symposium where participants present their findings to the staff and students of the Diamantina Insitute.

Programs run both during term time and in selected holiday breaks, with the latter intended mainly for teacher participants. A full list of proposed dates for 2010 is included here.

Student participants are selected through an application process. Applications consist of a recommendation by the school principal, a section where the applicant writes to stated criteria and consideration of the applicant's academic performance. All applications must come through the school principal. Copies of the application forms can be found here (Microsoft Word Document, 112kb).

Teacher participants are approved upon application to the SPARQ-ed Office.

The research immersion programs are open to all senior students and teachers throughout Queensland. Participants from state schools have access to the programs free of charge, while those from non-government schools are asked to contribute $400 towards the cost of the program (this contribution has already been made on behalf of state school students and teachers by Education Queensland). Accommodation for student participants from outside metropolitan Brisbane can be organised through the SPARQ-ed office.