National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)

A last big thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2024 Study and Careers expo! Our event was abuzz with curiosity as our delegates explored STEM pathways and opportunities.

We’re incredibly thankful to have been joined by such a diverse range of STEM professionals and supporters. Thank you to ADF Careers, ANSTO, Science at The Australian National University, ANU College of Health and Medicine, Engineering, Computing & Cybernetics at ANU, Atlassian, CSL, CSIRO, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Defence Science and Technology Group, Lockheed Martin, Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, Australian Signals Directorate and Rheinmetall.

We encourage our delegates to reflect on the opportunities, insights, and connections they discovered through the expo as we look forward to reconnecting at the 2025 National Youth STEM Summit!

"Thank you to QUBIC for supporting me to go to the 2024 STEM Summit. I would not have been able to attend this awesome program without their help. I had an amazing time and I was able to network with a broad range of people from various different STEM fields!"

The 2024 presented a fantastic opportunity for us to reconnect with a range of NYSF Alumni, including 2022 NYSF alum and Student Staff Leader Zeb! A special thank you to Scholarship Sponsor The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) for supporting Zeb’s attendance at the National Youth STEM Summit!

"I made so many connections with absolutely incredible and inspiring people over the course of the Summit that, by the end of the Summit, connecting with other people had become my favourite part."

Scholarship recipient Julia joined us at the 2024 thanks to generous support from Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre! We were also overjoyed to have NYSF Alum Dr Christopher Harris and other members of the Pawsey team join us at our Study and Careers expo. Thank you, Pawsey, for your support of the NYSF and our delegates and for sponsoring our Coffee Station, which kept everyone energised all weekend.

Axel brought a high level of curiosity to the 2024 . His attendance, along with 6 other delegates, was made possible thanks to NYSF Partner and Scholarship Sponsor CSL. Thank you for your significant contribution to helping Axel and so many others connect with new networks and opportunities in Canberra!

Thank you to Scholarship Sponsor Atlassian for supporting the next generation of STEM professionals to attend the 2024 . We’re also appreciative that they could join us to present the fantastic range of STEM opportunities they have available at our Study and Careers expo.

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor, ANSTO, for supporting the 2024 and bringing their best to our Study and Career expo! Our delegates (and expo guests!) were in and out of VR all morning. We enjoyed the excitement of the booth and the STEM research opportunities ANSTO shared, which are now on our delegates’ minds.

Thank you to Dr Susannah Eliott FTSE from the Australian Science Media Centre for sharing her expertise at the National Youth to help delegates elevate their communication skills and ensure their science resonates with the right audience to make a real impact.

Formal training to become an effective communicator resonated with delegates:

“I’m really glad that an organisation like AusSMC exists, especially for communicating about health issues and climate change. It’s a bit intimidating to talk about topics that have become so political because I worry about saying the wrong thing. I really want to be effective in how I communicate, so I’m definitely planning to get more formal training in communication in the future.”

Delegates at the National Youth heard insights from Anna-Maria Arabia, Chief Executive at the Australian Academy of Science on the role of science in the recent pardoning of Kathleen Folbigg after 20 years in prison.

The discussion emphasised that evidence-informed decision making strengthens all of us, and that there is a critical need to ensure that science is well understood, communicated, and integrated into our justice system.

“It's no longer in the realm of the theoretical.”

A powerful statement that resonated during the Navigating Ethics in Science panel at the National Youth .

While the rapid advancement of new technologies is promising, it brings complex ethical considerations to the forefront. As we push the boundaries of science, we must grapple with difficult questions, such as the ethical sourcing of materials and the broader impact of our work on society and the planet.

Thank you to Kylie Walker, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, Dr Chris Hatherly,Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, and Aaron Tang, The Australian National University in conversation with moderator Hannah Vardy (NYSF alum 2021).

Thank you to the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Youth for celebrating NYSF’s 40th Anniversary!

Minister Aly viewed the NYSF Silent Auction made up of original art created and donated by the science and technology sector and the NYSF community. Proceeds went into the NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship Fund to support those from disadvantaged communities to attend NYSF programs.

Featured artwork in the photos are:

♻ ‘Pieces of Sustainability’ by the UNSW SMaRT Centre and NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. Created using 100% waste materials, ‘Pieces of Sustainability’ highlights the many puzzle pieces that fit together to create a planet-friendly future.

🤠 A collection of felt hats hand burned and painted by Gullara McInnes – NYSF STEM Summit delegate and Bachelor of Science/Law student from Far North Queensland.

UNSW Science

An eye-opening session with Dr Susan McGinty at the National Youth ! Delegates were encouraged to reflect on their leadership purpose, identify their strengths, and pinpoint the skills they need to develop further. You can start now as an emerging leader in STEM!

Your time is a valuable resource, so use it wisely! Karrie Bishop (NYSF alum 1995!) returned to the National Youth to discuss the practical hacks and tools to help balance study and social life, conquer procrastination and make the most out of every day!

Lots of discussion on this topic!

The Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP joined the National Youth Science Forum in celebrating 40 years of impact. Thank you for your support of Australian STEM talent and enthusiasm for young people and their educators pursuing a career in STEM!

Professor Lachlan Blackhall FTSE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at The Australian National University encouraged delegates at the National Youth to embrace broad knowledge to give you latitude to see where your careers can go.

“Understand and cultivate serendipity. In STEM it underpins momentous discoveries.”

More highlights from the incoming! A personal brand is a tough step, but it’s a strong one to make for the progression you want to see in your career.

With guidance from Alicia Louise Lillington MAICD, STEM Summit delegates asked how they’d define themselves, and what that means in how they’ll carry themselves forward.

Delegate Axel shared his thoughts:

“I'm Axel, a proud Yanyuwa-Garrawan (Borroloola) man born on Larrakia Country (Darwin) and raised on Kaurna country (Adelaide).

In a workshop, we were asked 3 words to describe ourselves to help develop our personal brand. I picked: driven, unpredictable and spongey.

Spongey to me, means being able to absorb knowledge regardless of the field and the cultural background of the person you're learning from. The STEM Summit has helped me learn from industry experts, policy makers, and other professionals, and has broadened my understanding of what's out there, so I'm able to stay versatile in the field of STEM."

🎺 An extra $1.8 million over four years funding from the Australian Government allows the NYSF to increase participation from underrepresented communities in its programs. The NYSF, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, sees this investment as crucial to diversifying the future STEM workforce. 🎉

Announced last night at the NYSF’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner by Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, the support was welcomed by over 200 members of the Australian STEM community, including alumni and supporters of NYSF programs, and is a significant boost in our shared efforts to support a sustainable science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce.

The new Government funding will support the NYSF’s suite of programs, the NYSF Year 12 Program, NYSF Year 12 Program Access and Equity Scholarships, NYSF Year 12 State Hubs and the NYSF National Youth STEM Summit.

🔗 https://www.nysf.edu.au/nysf-celebrates-40-years-as-diversity-and-equity-in-stem-trailblazer/



Department of Industry, Science and Resources

NYSF celebrates 40 years as diversity and equity in STEM trailblazer - National Youth Science Forum The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), a not-for-profit charity that connects young Australians with their science and technology future, celebrated 40 years of impact with a Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Australian Parliament House, on 19 August 2024. An announcement of additional funding marks....

Thank you to the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP for celebrating the National Youth Science Forum’s 40th birthday at Australian Parliament House! Watch this space for an exciting announcement! 👀

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

We are delighted to announce that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, has accepted Patronage of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) at the NYSF’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

“To our young scientists, thank you for giving the riches of your intellect, curiosity and determination. Your discoveries, skills and insights underpin all our futures.

“And for all these reasons, and as I wish you all the very best as you place science at the centre of your world of possibilities, I am honoured and excited to accept the National Youth Science Forum’s invitation to serve as Patron.”

Governor-General of Australia

🔗 https://www.nysf.edu.au/announcing-the-new-patron-of-the-national-youth-science-forum/

What a STEM-tastic birthday bash! Tonight the NYSF celebrated 40 years of impact with a Gala Dinner at the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House!

Alumni from the inaugural 1984 NYSF Year 12 Program (then National Science Summer School) and beyond poured into Canberra from all around Australia. Many of these alumni, now in senior STEM roles, credit the NYSF as a life-changing experience that shaped their careers. Here's just a few of the 15,000 alum who have gone through our programs!

Stay tuned for more highlights of the Gala Dinner and the National Youth throughout the week!

30 minutes until our auction closes.

Last chance to win art from our esteemed alumni, NYSF community, and artful donors.

aus.givergy.com/NYSF40thAnniversaryGalaDinner/

“My favourite part of the Summit so far has been seeing Dr Cathy Foley’s presentation – it’s very interesting to see her journey and her build up to being Chief Scientist, and it’s very empowering to be meeting women in STEM like her.” - Elisabeth Boyle is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour at Flinders University.

Thank you to CSIRO for supporting nine students from the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy to attend the !

Bidding for the NYSF 40th Anniversary Silent Auction closes tomorrow night!

See all works and place your bids here:
aus.givergy.com/NYSF40thAnniversaryGalaDinner/

Hurry for your chance to own a piece of STEM art from friends of the NYSF, The Hon Kate Lundy and Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS FTSE plus many more!

Your bid funds our Access and Equity Fund, helping us support those from disadvantaged communities to attend NYSF programs.

STEM Summit delegates summarised their experience of a panel discussion on ‘Building futures in STEM: Mentorship for your career’.

“We got advice about how to maintain mentorship relationships, things you wouldn't think about like setting up future meetings in the current meeting.

There are so many different ways of having a mentor – structured mentorships and unstructured – and so many different mentor–mentee relationships that can be had. We learned that you could be someone's ideal mentor, while being a mentee yourself. You learn a lot from mentoring someone else.”

Thank you to Lily Flannery from UNSW, Sakshi Nanda, Hadi Nazem-Bokaee from The Australian National University, Laura Navarro and Tamara McGregor from Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering for the group discussion on how mentoring can support your career grown during the Summit!

Check out ATSE’s Emerging Leaders Network and other development programs: https://www.atse.org.au/what-we-do/pathways-into-through-stem/emerging-leaders-network/

We interrupt our regular programming for a selfie with Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE at the ! 📸

“It’s not just about your technical skills but your social responsibility. As Australia’s next generation of STEM experts, you need to cultivate an awareness of how your work fits into society more broadly. Ask the right questions and put effort into communicating both the opportunities and the risks of your field to policymakers and the public because the decisions you make today are shaping our shared tech future.”

Advice from Zoe Jay Hawkins from the Tech Policy Design Centre, The Australian National University on how STEM Summit delegates can better prepare for the future, in conversation with Eleisa Cajna from ANSTO, Dr Christopher Harris from Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Peter Derbyshire from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering.

“It's important to recognise that if you become specialised in a particular area, you may find that you won't have enough peers to talk to in Australia. Having international collaborations around the world to have those sounding boards to talk about the area that you're in is very important.

From a practical perspective for Pawsey – when we launched this supercomputer, it was the 15th largest in the world, fourth most energy efficient. When we wanted to find out more about issues that we have, we didn't have a second one to compare and contrast! So we turned to our peers at CSC and ORNL who also had large supercomputers with similar architecture, who were going through similar experiences as us.”

Dr Chris Harris (NYSF alum 1999) from Pawsey highlights the importance of international collaborations, especially for specialists in niche areas who may lack peers within Australia.

Thank you to Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre for being our Coffee Station and Scholars!

“Being adaptable, being open to opportunities, being open to new ideas, is the sort of mindset that sets people apart in this space. Your ability to look at things as an opportunity – to jump in, to try and make sense of it, and make it work for you.

At ANSTO we have a number of neutron and accelerator beam analysis instruments. For example, our instrument specialists can be working on Antarctic research then working on carbon dating Japanese samurai swords! They can be working on all different types of projects because they have that core skill that can be applied to a range of research projects. Keeping that awareness of how your skills can be applied even though it's not necessarily an obvious way of doing it.”

Elesia Cajna from ANSTO tells STEM Summit delegates of the importance of adaptability and openness to new ideas and illustrates how core skills can be applied in unexpected and varied ways.

Thank you to ANSTO for being our Bronze Sponsor!

Bidding for art created by our esteemed NYSF community is up and running, and due to close 9.30PM 19 August!

Own a piece of STEM creativity from Australia's Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE, and CEO of the NYSF Dr Melanie Bagg GAICD, among many others.

Your bid funds our Access and Equity Fund, helping us support those from disadvantaged communities in attending NYSF programs. You can take home beautiful art, while also supporting young people in STEM.

See all works and place your bids here:
aus.givergy.com/NYSF40thAnniversaryGalaDinner/

NYSF Board member and Kamilaroi Professor Brad Moggridge had the privilege of spending a lunchtime session with Indigenous STEM Summit scholars, sharing their mobs, their science and their inspirations/heroes. Brad was very humbled but excited after the session!

Thank you to CSL, Atlassian, and CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy who have supported 18 Indigenous delegates to attend the STEM Summit!