Australia’s best and brightest science students are attending Curtin University this week, until 22 January, for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).
More than 140 participants will have the chance to engage in a wide range of activities, including hands-on laboratory sessions and workshops in Curtin’s state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the opportunity to expand their knowledge of local history, geography and culture with visits to the Perth Zoo, WA Museum’s Shipwreck Galleries and the Perth Mint.
A science dinner on 19 January will be a highlight of the program with special attendance by Western Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, and Prime Minsters Science Award 2010 winner, Dr Kate Trinajstic.
Professor Jo Ward, Dean, Faculty of Science, said the Forum was a great opportunity for high school students to expand their knowledge and interest in science and gain an understanding of the wide range of employment opportunities in these fields.
“The students will make half-day visits to science & engineering research laboratories and facilities at Curtin and a number of other institutions,” Professor Ward said.
“They will also take part in scientific forums and debates plus discuss important projects like the Square Kilometre Array.”
Science Outreach Coordinator, Emma Donnelly, said NYSF inspired some of Australia’s best and brightest to pursue outstanding careers in the field.
“We have an ex-student, Adrian Murdock, who attended NSYF and then did his Nanotech degree with Honours here at Curtin. He is now in the UK with a PhD scholarship at Oxford University,” Ms Donnelly said.
“Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy’s Professor Steve Tingay was a NYSF attendee who later met his wife at a Forum!”
NYSF is supported nationwide by Rotary and in WA by Curtin, The University of Western Australia, and CSIRO.
Media are invited. A number of labs will run throughout the week and will provide excellent photo opportunities for media. Please make contact to organise interview, photo and video opportunities.
RSVP to Andrea Barnard on 0401 103 755 or andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
For more information visit the web page: www.nysf.edu.au
