Over the Christmas holidays, I attended the 2025 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Canberra. NYSF is a prestigious Year 12 program designed to connect Year 12 students from across Australia passionate about STEMM. Each year, the program selects upward of 300 students to attend the nine-day session hosted at Australian National University, Canberra, and The University of Queensland, Brisbane. The program offers a hands-on experience, industry engagement and networking opportunities with leading scientists, researchers, CEO’s and likeminded students. NYSF was truly an unforgettable program filled with incredible experiences learning and lifelong friendships you won’t find elsewhere.
Throughout the program we had 5 STEMM site visits throughout the ACT. This included Canberra’s Deep Space Communications Complex, one of only three in the world that provides 24/7 two-way radio contact with robotic space craft
throughout the solar system. During this visit we were hosted through a VIP tour of the facility where we got to see the massive satellite dishes and got an inside look into their communications complex.
At the Cyber Hub CyberCX, we learnt from professionals about the STEMM specific career opportunities in cyber security and tackled a case study working alongside CyberCX professionals. ANU Chemistry included experimentation with Orange Juice titrations and making homemade ice-cream with liquid nitrogen.
The ANU Biology visit involved exploring DNA fingerprinting and profiling, performing restriction digests on DNA samples and analysing similarities between individuals using electrophoresis gels. The final STEMM visit was CSIRO’s Bushfire Behaviour Research Lab, featuring their Pyrotron, a combustion wind tunnel used to study flame propagation. We also observed the vertical wind tunnel which is used to examine the behaviour of burning bark and other firebrands.
Beyond the site visits, we also attended inspiring lectures, including a talk by Kerri Hartland, Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. A Live Cross with Antarctic voyage researchers Dr Pauline Latour and Dr Katharina Hochmuth. Their research covers phytoplankton and developments in researching sediment in
Antarctic sea-flooring respectively. We also attended a Careers Day, where representatives from ADFA, Lockheed Martin, ANU, CSIRO, and ResMed spoke about opportunities and pathways in STEMM. This then transitioned into a speed meet, where we could ask professionals questions one-on-one and, of course, collect plenty of free goodies.
Social events were the highlight of NYSF. A massive scavenger hunt across the ANU campus had my team covering approximately 14 kilometres at record speed, only then to discover that finishing first didn’t make us winners, so despite finishing all tasks we lost due to technicalities. Other events included an intense disco night with a live DJ, networking at 'Confections and Connections' over free donuts and ice cream, and a concert showcasing participant talent.
However, what truly made NYSF special were the people. I met so many like-minded individuals from across Australia who share my passion for science and curiosity about the world. The friendships I formed are ones I will treasure for a lifetime, and they made this experience even more meaningful.
For Year 11 students considering NYSF in 2026, if you have a passion for STEMM, this is an experience you do not want to miss. NYSF not only broadens your knowledge in science but also connects you with industry professionals, university pathways, and lifelong friends. The insights and experiences gained from this program extend far beyond what can be learned in a classroom or university websites. I could not recommend NYSF enough for all Year 11 STEMM enthusiasts.
NYSF has been one of the most enriching experiences, and although I’ve come out a little more space-nerdy, it has reinforced my excitement for the future and university. While I may never want to play another card game again, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.
Charlotte
Year 12
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