Science and Engineering Challenge celebrates National Finals
Eight schools from around Australia compete at the national finals!
More than 240 High School students from eight schools across the country put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills to the test at the national finals of The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) held on 31 October at NUSport at the Forum.
As Australia’s leading STEM outreach program, this year’s SEC National Finals marked 25 years since the program’s inception, during which almost half a million students have participated in SEC events.
This year, more than 26,000 students from 871 schools competed in the challenge, with the top teams from around the country coming together in Newcastle to compete for the title of National Champions 2025.
Local school Belmont Christian College competed against teams from Auburn High School (VIC), Launceston Christian School (TAS), Marist College Emerald (QLD), Emmaus Christian School (ACT/NSW), Margaret River Senior High School (WA), Pembroke School (SA) and a combined team representing Darwin Middle and High School (NT).
When the final scores were totalled, Emmaus Christian School achieved the top spot with a score of 1426.15, claiming the title of National Champions for 2025.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said that the program continues to play a key role in inspiring future generations to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers.
“Over the past 25 years, the Science and Engineering Challenge has become a nationally recognised program, helping students build practical skills through hands-on activities that show them what scientists and engineers actually do,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We’re really proud of the way the challenge gives students from all backgrounds a chance to get involved and see themselves in an exciting career, and we know that many students actually tell us that the Science and Engineering Challenge helped convince them to study a STEM degree, which is fantastic.”
The program has a strong focus on equity, with more than half of the students who participated from rural or remote areas, 48% participants were female, and 6% were First Nations students.
Watch the live stream of the end of day finale.
For more information on future Science and Engineering Challenge events go to our website www.newcastle.edu.au/challenge
Contact
- Lisa Campbell
- Phone: 0448971846
- Email: lisa.m.campbell@newcastle.edu.au
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