Division of Science Victoria
Science Talent Search
Science Talent Search
The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual, science based competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria, Australia. Science Talent Search fits closely with the Victorian Curriculum philosophy of teaching and learning. There is a close match between many STS sections and the Victorian Curriculum
Learning Areas, Strands and Substrands.
STS 2020 – COVID-19 update
The Science Talent Search will continue to run in 2020.
JUDGING DAY for 2020 is NOT going ahead, instead ALL student projects will be electronically submitted and judged remotely this year.
We recommend that teachers and students review our video presentation guidelines on the teachers and students pages.
STS Handbook
If you plan to enter the competition it is essential that you read the handbook carefully.
Take note of all of the general information at the front of the book
and ensure you check the specific guidelines for your chosen section.
STS Handbook 2020 - Now Available
Theme and Topics
The STS theme for 2020 is 'Deep Blue: innovations for the future of our oceans'
There are set topics for Creative Writing and Posters/Scientific Wallcharts sections only.
For more information about the competition - its rules, conditions and guidelines, topics for Creative Writing and Posters/Scientific Wallcharts,
and how to enter - download our handbook.
Important dates
Take note of the key dates for registration, submitting country entries and Creative Writing / Experimental Research, judging and exhibition day.
STS Bursary book 2020
Browse a copy of the most recent competition's Bursary Book to see winning entries and sponsors. Click Cover Image
BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards partnership with STS
Science Talent Search has a partnership with The BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards. Students wishing to enter The BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards must register for Science Talent Search in the Experimental Research and/or Inventions Sections. Major bursary winners for the STS Experimental Research and Inventions sections are automatically entered into the The BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards.
Click here for more information.
2020 BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards
Visit the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards website.
Each year, student finalists may be selected to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States of America, where they display their entries and compete for international prizes.
View a video of the students representing Australia at ISEF, for the 2013 competition.
CREST - Creativity in Research, Engineering, Science and Technology
If you are looking for engaging ways to inspire creativity in your science and technology teaching, try CREST – it provides support for teachers and students to undertake open-ended science and technology investigations. CREST can enhance your students' ability to produce high quality Experimental Research projects for Science Talent Search and BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards.
Sponsors
Our sponsors are very important to our competition. Their support enables the competition to operate. Without this support there would be no bursary prizes. View a listing of our major sponsors.
Rowe Scientific Pty. Ltd.
STS welcomes Rowe Scientific Pty. Ltd. as a major sponsor which has enabled a significant boost to Experimental Research and Inventions prizes, as well as other educational initiatives.
For more information about Science Talent Search use the following links:
