PERKINS PROFS

This specialised program offers motivated high school students an opportunity to learn medical research techniques and skills under the guidance of researchers.

We also run Perkins Profs OPEN classes in Terms 2 and 4 which can be attended by students from any school. This option is provided for students whose schools do not organise a school-booked Perkins Profs session.

Academy duration: 10 weeks (during school term)

2 hours per week: 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Price per student: $370

Max class size: 20 students

Introduction to Medical Research

Students are guided by Perkins research scientists through the lab techniques and knowledge used to understand medical research. Lab sessions include staining cancer cells, amplifying genes, introduction to bioinformatics, viral outbreak, protein identification and using fluorescence microscopy. The course concludes with a graduation in the final week where family members are invited to celebrate the students’ achievements.

The Genome and Beyond

For students who have completed Perkins Profs 1.0. This course contains different modules, including:

1. Bioinformatics and Drug Discovery: Students will gain an understanding of computational biology, managing the data on a range of biomedical databases, and performing molecular screening and docking to develop new drugs for diseases.
2. Bioengineering: Students dive into the world of biomedical engineering to solve medical research problems that will improve outcomes for patients. They will explore the world of silicon phantoms, biomedical design and turn medical images into 3D objects.
3. Epigenetics: Students investigate the molecular layer above DNA and learn how it is unlocking secrets to disease and health.

Academy duration: 10 weeks (during school term), 2 hours per week
Term 2 and 4: Tuesdays

Time: Tuesday after school 4:30pm-6:30pm 
Price per student: $370
Suitable for: Years 10 – 12

Applications for the 2025 program are now open.

This specialised program offers motivated high school students opportunities to explore the career path of medical research.

Perkins Profs Open classes run in Term 2. Graduates of this program are eligible to register for Perkins Profs 2.0., which runs in Term 4. They can be attended by students from any school. This option is provided for students whose schools do not organise a school booked Perkins Profs session.

PLEASE NOTE CANCELLATION POLICY: A refund of the registration fee will only be made if the Centre is notified one week prior to the program start date.