With much of the world’s future innovation to come from science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), it is important that the innovators of tomorrow are supported and mentored.
The funding partners of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) play an important role in supporting the organisation and the programs it delivers.
GSK Australia has provided funding support for the NYSF over several years.
GSK’s David Herd, Director of Healthcare Environment talks to NYSF participants
In 2015, GSK’s David Herd, Director of Healthcare Environment, presented to the NYSF participants as part of the Partners’ Day activities. His presentation made an impact on one of the students, Nikita Bungay from Victoria. Now studying at Monash University’s Science Advanced Global Challenges program, and as part of her studies, Nikita needed to interview someone who inspired her; she decided to reach out to David.
“One of the greatest experiences I had was at the NYSF Partners’ Day, where I heard David talk about what had inspired him, and how his company reaches out to the broader world through their work. His talk motivated me to do something which would also make a difference, and that is why I chose my course, which I am confident will help me to achieve this goal,” Nikita said.
NYSF CEO, Dr Damien Pearce highlights this as an example of the ways that the NYSF’s funding partners go that extra mile in supporting the organisation and its programs. “Organisations such as GSK really understand the kind of support that our young people need, and are willing to provide.”
GSK Australia is proud to regularly host tours for NYSF students during the Melbourne Next Step program. They visit its Boronia manufacturing facility in Victoria and see how life-saving medications are made; in 2016, they will see GSK Australia’s new and innovative blow-fill-seal vaccine technology.
Since 2012, over 150 school students have toured GSK Australia’s facilities.
“These site tours contribute to what makes the NYSF unique for Australian STEM students,” said Dr Pearce, “and our corporate partners are key to our and the program’s success. Having access to view the kinds of innovations made in industry all of the time contribute to inspiring our young people.”