SciX@UNSW 2026

Don’t just learn science. Do science. Access world-leading researchers and facilities at UNSW.

The SciX@UNSW program is designed to support passionate high school students who are eager to delve into scientific research. This January join one of our research groups designed for HSC Extension Science, IB independent projects, or for those interested in a taste of a future career in research. The projects are overseen by our academic research staff and are delivered primarily by our graduate research students. Students will be introduced to cutting-edge research tools and methodologies and guided to extend their scientific skills.

The centrepiece of the SciX@UNSW Program is a one-week intensive Summer School which will take place on 19 - 23 January 2026. During the SciX Summer School, you will be involved in hands-on lab and workshop sessions. You will learn new science and new techniques in data creation, collection and analysis that will enable you to get a great start with your project.

Vist our website for information on the list of projects. Choose from:

• 3D Printing Soft Materials for Medicine
• Astonomy
• Cognitive Science
• Mapping the Brain
• Making Better Batteries
• Making Medicines
• Marine Biodiversity
• Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy
• Quantum Computing
• Rainbow on a Chip- Biomimetic Materials
• RNA in Disease
• Unlocking Big Data
• Unravelling Antibaterial Polymers with Machine Learning

Please sign up for our mailing list here to keep connected to progam updates.

Registration timeline:

Registrations open Monday, 27 October 2025 at 7am.
Project allocations are on a first-come first-served basis.

Please note that project delivery is subject to registration numbers and we will confirm projects availability mid-November. Registrations received in November and December may have limited project options available.

On-time registrations will close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, however late registrations may be accepted for some projects until 11:59 PM on Sunday, 7 January 2025.

F ee Waivers:

We are committed to providing an inclusive experience and offer a limited number of fee-waived places, prioritised for those with financial need. To apply for one of these places, please register through the "SciX Registration - Fee Waiver Application" before 8 November 2025. This option will collect information for both your registration and fee waiver application. If your application for a fee waiver is unsuccessful, your spot in the project will still be reserved for one week, giving you the option to confirm your place by making payment or to cancel without obligation. See the information pack for more details.

Refunds:
Refunds requested before 24 November are automatically approved, regardless of reason. Between 25 November and 22 December, additional justification is required, as we are unable to offer refunds for change of mind or withdrawal from the Science Extension course. (Please note that SciX remains a valuable enrichment experience even for students not completing Science Extension.)

This timeline reflects our late-November commitment to funding PhD student mentors and ensures we can maintain a tight, student-centred budget that maximises program quality while keeping ticket prices as low as possible.

Payment schedules are available (deposit plus instalments) or arrange to split costs between your school and yourself. Please contact scix@unsw.edu.au for assistance.

School Groups:

If you are a teacher looking to book for a group of your students, we are able to invoice you directly for the group while still allowing students to register via Eventbrite.

Please contact scix@unsw.edu.au to discuss the process as soon as practical to ensure your students do not miss out on their preferred projects.