It is a science and technology chance of a lifetime for 460 young people from across Australia between 6–23 January at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program! Living on campus at the Australian National University and The University of Queensland, participants are immersed in STEM for 9 days and get to engage with Australian researchers and innovators in a huge variety of fields ranging from AI and cybersecurity to environmental science, health and medicine, and engineering.
How do you get involved in the Aussie-made moon rover (‘Roo-ver’) project? What career can you combine robotics and medicine? What does decarbonation mean, and how can I help? These and many more questions are answered at the NYSF!
The NYSF Year 12 Program takes young people outside the classroom to meet real-life STEM workers and hear about the many different areas and career pathways they can explore. The program offers a chance to explore unique science and technology facilities and industries in person – bringing home the reality of a career in a whole range of areas.
The NYSF Year 12 Program is an important opportunity for young STEM enthusiasts to meet their people. Often, students from regional and remote areas do not have a network of people around them who are interested in science and technology, making it hard to see what they want their pathway to be. Participants in 2025 are travelling from all over Australia, from Alice Springs, remote Queensland, northern Tasmania, and rural Western Australia.
In 2025, 44% of participants are from remote and regional areas, 67% are young women and 3% identify as Indigenous. The NYSF strives to foster an environment that reflects the true diversity of Australia’s youth, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to engage with STEM studies and careers, regardless of background. Selection for the program is based on passion and interest for STEM and who will benefit the most from the experience. Not being purely based on academic achievement means that the NYSF community fosters inclusivity and reflects the diversity of the Australian population.
Dr. Melanie Bagg, CEO of the NYSF, said, “The NYSF Year 12 Program is a life-changing experience for students, opening doors to STEM opportunities and empowering them to pursue careers that will shape the future. For over 40 years, NYSF has inspired and connected young Australians with their STEM future, our 15,000+ former participants have achieved so much in both STEM and STEM adjacent careers.”
“The diversity of our participants and the range of STEM disciplines we cover are critical to delivering Australia’s future science and technology workforce. STEM needs diverse teams of people who are nimble and can think creatively to solve our biggest problems. NYSF takes STEM out of subject stereotypes and allows young people of all abilities and backgrounds to find the right path for them.”
Making STEM Accessible for All
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and partners—including the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC), Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and private donors—71 students received scholarships to participate in the program. Support is also provided to individual participants via NYSF’s Founding Partner, Rotary. Rotary Clubs all over Australia fundraise tirelessly to ensure that financial barriers do not limit access to this transformative experience.
The NYSF could not provide this transformative program without the financial and in-kind support of NYSF partners.
Media Opportunities
The NYSF welcomes media throughout the 2025 NYSF Year 12 Program in Canberra (6-14 January) and Brisbane (15-23 January). Interviews with NYSF participants, speakers and staff are available upon request in Australia’s most amazing STEM facilities.
Media Contacts: catherine@nysf.edu.au 0491 044 104 | melanie.bagg@nysf.edu.au 0439 037 773
Suggested Media Opportunities
Canberra 6 – 14 January:
- ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research: Students explore how researchers are tackling infection and cancer development.
- ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics Engineering: Students will join the ANU Solar Racing Team and discover renewable energy in a hands-on workshop.
- Robotics at the University of Canberra: Students will explore the Robotics Lab, which is pushing the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence and developing cutting-edge technologies.
- Careers Day: Students participate in a Careers Expo and STEM Speed-Meet event.
- University of Canberra—Centre for Applied Water Science: Students visit Lake Ginninderra to conduct a hands-on biomonitoring and assessment exercise.
- Contact us with a time and we’ll let you know what’s happening!
Brisbane 15 – 23 January:
- Universal Field Robotics: Students will explore robotics and automation of mining, defence, and construction equipment.
- Griffith University—Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab: Students will be working with plastic models to explore different body systems and organs.
- UQ Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI): Students will be using 'state-of-the-art' research imaging instruments. It is the only facility of its type in Australia and one of only a handful in the world.
Friday 17 January - UQ ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success: Students will step into the role of pollen detectives to solve a critical issue facing the Australian honey industry: counterfeit honey.
Monday 20 January - The University of Queensland - Cyber Security: Students will participate in computer-based cyber activities.
- The University of Queensland – Australian Institute forBioengineering and Nanotechnology: Students will discover how mRNA is used to develop vaccines.
- Careers Day: Students hear about different careers and university courses and participate in a Careers Expo and STEM Speed-Meet event.
- Or, contact us with a time and we’ll let you know what’s happening!