Peptides have become a major topic of interest in the media, and CIPPS is committed to raising awareness about the importance of peptide science.By directly engaging with students, we can build knowledge and inspire curiosity from our research. We want students to ask big questions like, “how could peptide research benefit me in the future?” and “how do peptide scientists change the world, one molecule at a time?”.  Through these conversations, we can also inform the next generation to recognise how discoveries in peptide science are shaping the economic growth in Australia by advancing knowledge towards innovations in health diagnostics, therapeutics, food, and agriculture.

In 2026, the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) partnered with CIPPS to provide a multi-day opportunity for our scientists to engage with students and share their passion for science.The partnership featured seven outreach activities delivered by a diverse group of CIPPS Outreach Ambassadors, including Junming He, Tommy Lu, Michael Pinter, Alexandra Sundman, Sana Tanveer, Himaya Siddhihalu Wickrama Hewage, Aurelie Benfield, Shambhawi, and Jing Ji.

Tommy Lu was an invited speaker at the QASMT whole school assembly. He and Junming Hewere then presentation and/or poster judges in the evening of the QASMT science fair. Michael Pinter and Alexandra Sundman presented research and career highlights during the QASMT and John Monash Science School (JMSS) visit to UQ. Sana Tanveer was an invited speaker at the Collaborative Science Project Action Day for Y11 students. She then joinedHimaya Hewage and Aurelie Benfield at the QASMT ‘Brunch with a Scientist’ event to chat about STEM career pathways and beyond.Aurelie returned as an invited speaker at their ‘STEM seminar’ series during National Science Week.Sana, Shambhawi, and Jing Ji also volunteered to be Research Mentors for their STEM Research Project Program.

Through these events, our dedicated Outreach Ambassadors have demonstrated the importance of being present and accessible to students.Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, they helped spark joy in learning and broaden students’ understanding of STEM and possible career pathways. We hope these interactions have made a lasting impact on students, teachers, and educators, and that they continue to inspire a passion for discovery well into the future.