Work experience is the short-term placement (usually one week) of Year 10-12 students with researchers. The aim is to provide insights into the work of astronomers in university and industry. Students can explore research interests by undertaking a small astronomical project under the supervision of a professional astronomer, attending presentations/scientific talks by ASTRO 3D astronomers, and learning how to align future school studies with potential career aspirations.
ASTRO 3D runs two versions of a work experience program.
Work Experience @ Swinburne
In this program Year 10 students have the opportunity to:
- Search for pulsar signatures in radio observations
- Classify galaxy morphologies
- Identify strong gravitational lenses
- Search for peculiar motions in simulated galaxy mergers
- Produce visualisations of galaxies and galaxy groups
- Participate in real-time remote observations
- Attend scientific talks and group meetings
- Prepare teaching materials
There are multiple weeks run throughout the year. They are open to applicants from across Australia.
For information on the 2025 astrophysics program email:
Indigenous work experience program (IWEX)
In May 2022, ASTRO 3D collaborated with the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) at ANU, Mt Stromlo Observatory to run a pilot work experience program for Year 10 Indigenous students from NSW and the ACT.
IWEX is a unique astronomy education opportunity that encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 10 students interested in astronomy to consider further study and possible career options in the field. Students are provided with an insight into the work of astronomers and astrophysicists in both research and industry.
The aim is to bring together a small cohort of like-minded students for five days, encourage and inspire them to pursue a career in astronomy (or STEM in general), and advise them on the education pathways available to achieve that goal. Students should have an interest in astronomy and be studying maths and science. Bringing together a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who share an interest allows them to network, create connections and develop relationships that can continue after the program.
There will be no cost to the successful applicants. ASTRO 3D and RSAA provide full scholarships to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, board and workshop materials for successful students and a teacher/parent chaperone for the 5-day program.
IWEX will also be offered as part of the formal workplace learning programs of the ACT Education Directorate and the NSW Department of Education.
The Indigenous Work Experience Program is a collaboration between ASTRO 3D and the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. In 2022, the program is supported by grant funding from the Australian Government.
2024 Indigenous Astronomy Autumn School
From 8-12 April 2024, ASTRO 3D and the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics will be working with the ANU Tjabal Indigenous Centre to host 10 Indigenous Year 11 and 12 students at an autumn school. The students will visit Mt Stromlo Observatory and take part in an astronomy program that will include doing group research projects, listening to talks and presentations by researchers, learning about cultural astronomy and doing starg-gazing.
This program is funded through a 2023 Federal Government Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions.