The Department of Primary Industries is inspiring young minds with science programs to promote agricultural science as a rewarding, long-term career choice.
Thousands of students will investigate plant diseases as they take part in a national school science competition.
Entries are now open for the Department of Primary Industries' 30th annual Hermitage Schools Science Competition.
From stealthy spores to disease defying crops, this year, students will discover the array of diseases that impact our crops, gaining insights into microscopic pathogens, plant biology, physiology, ecology and the environment while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Students can also contribute to Australia's monitoring of regional fungicide resistance in crop pathogen populations.
Interest is soaring with more than 3,600 students from 124 schools across the country already registered to take part.
Hermitage Schools Science Competition activities are aligned to the Australian school curriculum, making it easy for teachers to incorporate the competition project into their learning programs.
Students can enter 1 or all 3 award categories:
- Science Project Awards
- Art in AgRiculTure Awards
- Guardians of Earth Global BioQuest.
School registrations for this year's competition are open until Friday 12 June with student entries closing Friday 26 June 2026. All entrants will be in the running for a selection of fantastic awards and prizes.
Winners will be announced on 27 August 2026 at the Hermitage Research Facility's annual Awards Day and Agricultural Science Expo in Warwick.
Quotes
Kerrie Rubie, Hermitage Project Officer, Department of Primary Industries
Hermitage Project Officer Kerrie Rubie said this year's competition will give students the opportunity to learn all about plant diseases and the impact they have on Australian agriculture and global food security.
"It is incredibly important that our younger generation are educated about the different types of diseases that threaten our crops, natural environment, economy and food security. Students will also learn about how science contributes to developing disease-resistant crops and improved, sustainable farming practices," Kerrie said.
"The Science Project Awards involve hands-on, plant pathology experiments, focusing on net form net blotch of barley and powdery mildew of mungbeans to engage and attract interest in our agricultural industry and careers in related fields.
"Students can also get their creativity flowing in the Art in AgRiculTure Awards and get outdoors into nature with the Guardians of Earth Global BioQuest," Kerrie said.
"Exciting competitions like this one are critical for sparking passion for our industry. I encourage students to get involved and have some fun while also learning about plant diseases and their impact on agriculture and food security".
More information
For more information and to enter, visit our Hermitage Schools Science Competition website.
Contact
Email media@dpi.qld.gov.au.
Last updated: 15 Jul 2026