School students will put their research skills to the test at the Graham Centre Science Investigation Awards at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 14 August. More than 50 Year 6 and Year 10 students from Ladysmith, Griffith and Wagga Wagga have designed and completed a science investigation or experiment and will present their project to a panel of judges. They will explain their hypothesis, the experiment used to test it and the findings of the research. The budding scientists will also participate in practical laboratory classes and meet with CSU and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researchers. Graham Centre Director, Professor Deirdre Lemerle, said the event aims to promote science education and encourage students to consider research careers. “Robust research is needed for Australian industries like agriculture to continue to be profitable and sustainable into the future,” she said. “Events like this will ensure that a new generation of scientists will be ready to meet this challenge.”