What We Do

"It allowed me to go into year 12 with a calmer mind that everything will work out and that I will end up where I am meant to be. It also gave me the confidence to pursue a STEM career as I was shown that it is awesome to be interested in STEM and that I was really in love with it."

“It is endlessly interesting and inspiring to hear of what NYSF’s various alumni are working towards and their achievements, in addition to the many opportunities introduced through NYSF Connect.”

"Thanks to the NYSF I have gained interest in engineering which is something I may have never thought about."

“I would describe [the NYSF Year 12 Program] as the most incredible 2 weeks I've ever had. I'd tell people that you get so much out of the program in terms of personal development, career and study information, and friendships. I would say that the program pushes you out of your comfort zone and in doing so, helps you gain confidence in yourself and identify your own strengths and weaknesses"

“The NYSF Year 12 Program was completely life changing, you get to meet so many like-minded people, gain clarity on your future, and experience the best of the best in your chosen field of science.”

“I went to the NYSF/NSSS in 1986 and this experience immersed me (and 233 other year 12 students) in science in a way that allowed a realistic glimpse of a future career in STEM. The experience validated my passion for STEM. I am now a Professor of Chemistry and a researcher developing new molecules to address human disease such as treatments for multidrug resistant cancer.”

Sally-Ann works as a Professor of Chemistry and Senior Research Leader at the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) at Griffith University and is internationally recognised as a leader in her field. She gives a lot back to the NYSF - we are very pleased to have her as one of our expert board members.

A brilliant, amazing opportunity to meet likeminded people and see how science we learn in school can be
applied in the real world/industry.

I am a fluid mechanist and, currently, a Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at Macquarie University. I attended the National Youth Science Forum in 2005, because I liked science and, to be honest, because my high school Deputy Principal suggested I should go. But luckily I listened to him, and was fortunate enough to be selected. At the time I was going to be either a chemical engineer or an astrophysicist. After spending my two weeks in Canberra at the NYSF, astrophysics was declared the victor, however, one very important message that I took away with me was to do a general degree, rather than a ‘named’ degree. Because people change their minds, and I definitely did.

NYSF is a crazy gathering of students and staff that through their incredible passion of science will inspire you and shape you as a better person. It won’t be anything that you expect-it will be full of surprises. And it gives you a real world outlook into what you could do in the future and an experience you can’t have in the classroom. Best thing I have done!

Being a staffie was really a life changing event that allowed me to grow as a person in many different ways. It has made me more confident in being myself around anyone and not worrying about what people think about me. Being a part of the student staff leadership team has really built up my skills in social interactions, emotional intelligence and leadership. It has been a true honour to be a part of the students' experience.

The NYSF is such an empowering program, particularly as a staffie. The opportunity you provided for me, to step out of my comfort zone and truly make an impact on the participants, is irreplaceable. I'll never forget this experience, so thank you.

"I would like to say how grateful we are for this incredible NYSF program: the content, people, connections, personal development; words just cannot express the value to my son's life."

I've been involved with the NYSF for many years. I am confident that expanding the program to Queensland will provide valuable experiences and skills for students passionate about STEM

Attending the NSTSS definitely reinvigorated my love for and faith in science.

"After attending the NYSF as a student in 2015, I left Canberra with a reinvigorated passion for Science and Education. Coming back as a Student Staff Leader was no different! It was a true honour to be able to lead an incredible team of passionate Student Leaders and Rotary volunteers who worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the session was a success. I am very grateful to have been able to play a part in recreating this magical NYSF experience for future years and see the same transformation in the students that I saw in myself just 4 years ago."

I went to the NYSF in 2001 and had my eyes opened to the diverse and intriguing world of science. It showed me that there is much to do in any of the myriad disciplines, or you can forge your own path. That's why THIS biophysicist joined the Navy, became a meteorologist and oceanographer then a science communicator and then a TV Weather Presenter. And I'm not done yet. I found my path; the NYSF showed me that it's possible.”

In March 2017, Nate landed a dream job as an ABC weather presenter. You can catch him in action on the early morning shift. Nate has also been a fantastic ambassador for the NYSF, having spoken to this year’s participants sharing his own valuable career and life advice. The NYSF owes Nate a big thanks for all he has given back to the program in recent times!

As a science teacher, I've been encouraging students to apply for the NYSF for almost 30 years. The program benefits the students in so many ways.
It stimulates interest in aspects of science that is difficult to achieve in the school context; It is rewarding to see the transformation of young, quieter students into mature, self-confident, positive students who have a purpose and direction for their education; The students always return more focused, goal orientated and enriched; They have inner confidence promoting a greater sense of self-worth and belief; The students appreciate the importance of networking, building links and return with long lasting friendships; Lastly, I believe that they are more willing to take risks with applying for further programs
Now in the role as Rotary District Chair, and as a volunteer in January, it is highly rewarding to see the individuals selected to attend, gaining so much from the forum. 

While at NSTSS I got to meet amazing and inspiring scientists working in universities, research labs and more, from all disciplines-and fed off their passion and knowledge. I feel so full of ideas, things I want to create and do, from big pie in the sky teaching programs to exciting ideas for individual classes.