For several years, the NSW Department of Industry, through the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, has supported travel costs for NSW-based NYSF students travelling on international programs.
In 2015, the Department’s grant contributed to the travel costs of 15 NYSF students, who attended the Canada-Wide Science Fair, Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the National University of Singapore Science Summer Camp, the London International Youth Science Forum, and the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar.
The students who were fortunate enough to participate in these programs all indicated that there was significant value in attending, and were grateful to the NSW Department of Industry for the support that was provided through its Research and Acceleration Program.
Responses to our annual survey of students indicate that all of the students participating in the International Programs have gone on to study STEM fields at a tertiary level – or intend to after gap-years. They also report that participating in the International Programs offered a very unique opportunity, and one that would not have been available to them had they not attended the NYSF.
Tammy Cai from Sefton attended the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar in November 2015. “Attending the NYSF in year 12 has opened many doors for me, and has given me many opportunities to engage in my passion for science, and network with like-minded youth around the world. The experiences, memories and friends I have gained at SIYSS are priceless.”
Thomas Ellis, from Medowie attended the London International Youth Science Forum 2015. “The theme of the LIYSF forum for 2015 was ‘global endeavour’; attending the Science Bazaar – where students from around the world showcased the research they have undertaken – has galvanised my interest in not only pursuing my own research endeavours but to work with others to collaborate and try to help them to reach theirs.”
In 2016, 11 students from New South Wales are being supported by the Department of Industry, travelling to Research Science Institute, Canada Wide Science Fair, National University of Singapore Science Summer Camp, and London International Youth Science Forum.