Media release: Australia’s flagship STEM Youth experience reinvented for 2021

A new-look National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program kicks off today with a stellar line-up of speakers and an expanded program unlike ever before.

Media Release

Australia’s flagship STEM Youth experience reinvented for 2021

A new-look National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program kicks off today with a stellar line-up of speakers and an expanded program unlike ever before.

The 2021 NYSF Year 12 Program features two Nobel Prize winners, over 20 top experts in subjects ranging from venom to drones, workshops with our leading scientists and STEM organisations, and an array of live crosses to some of the world’s very best science and technology facilities, including to Casey Station in Antarctica and CERN in Switzerland.

Plus, there is more! 2021 NYSF Year 12 program students will have a house party with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and spend an evening with Astronomer and Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith. In a first, we are offering a range of live Science@Home digital experiences and workshops with some of the very best science communicators in Australia.

The National Youth Science Forum has delivered life-changing STEM experiences for 38 years, and 2021 is no different! Usually a 10-day residential experience, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant a total reinvention for this iconic program. The NYSF has risen to the challenge and will deliver a predominantly digital program with in-person visits where possible across the country. Close to 600 students have been selected to participate in the 2021 Program across three weeks from 5-22 January.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Honourable Karen Andrews MP, will join the Opening Event of the new look session today with a video message for students to congratulate them and remind them of the importance of these experiences:

“It's estimated that by 2030, workers will spend 77 percent more time using STEM skills. STEM skills are essential for keeping pace with rapid technological change and creating the industries of the future. Exploring these skills leads to new fields of research and development which can benefit people all around the world”, said Minister Andrews.

“STEM skills have been central to my own career as an engineer. I understand the importance of making STEM accessible and creating more STEM opportunities for all of our young people. All of you have already shown great promise and your futures are full of opportunities”, said Minister Andrews.

The challenges this past year, especially COVID-19 and the Australian bushfire disaster, have highlighted how important STEM is for society and the need for more STEM professionals. The NYSF has a rich history of nurturing and developing Australia’s STEM workforce with the program now having graduated over 13,000 Alumni.

CEO of the National Youth Science Forum, Dr Melanie Bagg, said the program was transformational with a significant number of participants going on to study or work in STEM.

“At NYSF, students not only explore diverse areas of STEM, but they also build their first professional network with other young people from around Australia who share their passion. In 2021, over 60 past participants of the program have volunteered to return as Student Staff Leaders and develop life-long mentoring and leadership skills", said Dr Bagg.

Support from the Australian Government's Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the National Innovation Science Agenda (NISA), our Major Partner, Lockheed Martin Australia, our host universities and a range of other partners has ensured that the NYSF can continue to deliver unique and high quality, immersive STEM programs in Australia.

Due to the broad reach of over 1000 Rotary Clubs, the NYSF attracts students from all over Australia. In 2021, 44% of participants are from remote and regional areas of Australia, and 66% of participants are young women. As an equitable program for all, over 40 students in need have received scholarships to assist or fully cover their program fees. The scholarships were made possible by grants from The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER), Bayer and the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.

To give you a feel for why we are so excited, check out all the events, dates and times HERE and below is a small sample of some the sessions we have lined up for January:

Opening Event – Tuesday 5 Jan 11am

Australia’s brightest minds will join students for an interactive panel discussion to kick start their NYSF journey. This event will discuss the role of the future STEM workforce in building national resilience. Panellists will share their knowledge and insight into the skills needed to solve future challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and an ageing population. Included in the line-up will be Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Prof Tanya Monro (NYSF 1990 Alumna), Vice President, Lockheed Martin International Space, Rod Drury, Dean of Science, Australian National University, Prof Kiaran Kirk, Prof Veena Sahajwalla from the University of New South Wales, and ARC Laureate and Prof Aidan Byrne, Provost, The University of Queensland.