CoLab is a year-long creative collaboration that pairs Tasmanian research scientists with Years 9–12 students to explore real scientific research through art. The resulting works are exhibited publicly at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August.
Traditional science education does an excellent job of teaching facts. It’s less good at showing students who scientists are, what’s happening in labs right now, and why science matters beyond text books.
CoLab was created to:
For many students, CoLab is the first time STEM feels relevant to their lives. This can impact more than just their science literacy — for some students, the program turns around their entire academic journey and helps them develop an understanding of their individual potential.
Students work in small groups with a practicing research scientist and artist mentor during terms 1 – 3 to:
The emphasis is not on learning facts or creative excellence, but on developing confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking — skills that matter across every discipline.
CoLab works particularly well for schools looking for:
Teachers consistently tell us CoLab:
CoLab is designed to be flexible and supportive, not an extra burden.
Depending on the school, CoLab can include:
We work with teachers to adapt the program to their context, timetable, and students.
CoLab offers scientists:
You don’t need to be a trained educator or science communicator. You just need to be able to make a connection with young people, and to welcome them into your work.
Many participating scientists report that CoLab changes how they think about their own research.
CoLab culminates in a public exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during August as part of Beaker Street Festival. Thousands of people visit the exhibition to see the student artworks, with a special opening event also held for students and their friends and family.
For students, this means:
For schools and funders, it provides:
Check out the story of CoLab project team Isobel and Miley (Taroona High School), Dr Beth Strain (IMAS University of Tasmania), and Artist Mentor Lucy Bleach
CoLab unites students, scientists, and artists in unexpected and inspiring ways. Discover its impact in the video below.
Join science communicator Zoe Kean as she uncovers the science that sparks creativity in our CoLab artists. Watch the full series now on our YouTube channel.
CoLab sits at the intersection of science, education, art, culture, and community engagement. It’s one part of Beaker Street’s broader mission to build community through scientific understanding — not by watering science down, but by opening it up.
CoLab is supported by partners who believe in:
If you’re interested in supporting or scaling the program, we’d love to talk.
Have an idea or want to be part of the fun? There are loads of ways to contribute to Beaker Street, and be part of our events.
We’re a DGR-registered charity. Every donation helps improve the festival and is tax deductible. If you can, please show your support.
Beaker Street acknowledges and pays respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians, of this land on which we come together to discover and share knowledge. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
