Competition Format
Each team selects one from a set of research problems to work on; there are different problems for each age category. Students should present their project and findings through one of the following:
- Report (A4 or slideshow), or
- Visual display (single-page poster or short video).
All work must be the sole product of the students on a team.
Report projects:
Teams with the highest quality projects will be invited to participate in the Research Competition Finals Presentations which will be held at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus. Travel subsidies may be made available for teams that need to travel from remote, regional, interstate or international locations. Arrangements will also be made for live stream presentations for teams unable to travel.
Each team will have a 15-minute slot in which to present a brief synopsis of their project and to answer questions from the judging panel and other academics. Further details about the Finals will be provided to finalists closer to date.
Visual display projects:
Teams with the highest quality visual display projects will be awarded a cash prize.
Prizes and Certificates
All teams who submit a valid research project will receive a certificate for participation, merit, high commendation, or distinction. The highest quality projects in each age category will receive awards and cash prizes according to the following table:
| Project Type | Award | Number Awarded | Cash Prize Amount* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Display | Shortlist | 3 to 6 | 100 |
| Top | 1 | 250 | |
| Report | Finalist | 3 to 6 | 200 |
| Top | 1 | 500 |
*Amounts are awarded per person in the team.
Additional prizes may be awarded, such as:
- Top project from a regional/remote team
- Top non-finalist project in state/territory (report only)
- Other prizes to be advised
Judging
Visual display projects will be judged separately to report projects. The criteria for judging will vary depending on the age category and the complexity of the research project. However, whenever explicit mathematics is involved, mathematical accuracy is vitally important, as is the correct use of mathematical language. We strongly encourage teams to approach their project with mathematical reasoning and generalisation where possible. In addition to these, the judging criteria include elements for originality, creativity, communication and presentation.