Two hundred young scientists will converge on Brisbane when the makes its Queensland debut in January next year.
Under a new agreement, Õ¬Äе¼º½ will be an additional host university for the program in 2018, along with the Australian National University. The agreement opens the program to a total of 600 year 12 students in Canberra and Brisbane.
Õ¬Äе¼º½ Provost said the National Youth Science Forum aimed to encourage young people to continue their studies in science, technology and engineering.
“I am delighted to bring this outstanding program to Queensland,” he said.
“It means 200 students passionate about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) will have terrific opportunities to explore these fields and advance their knowledge and skills.”
The National Youth Science Forum was established in the 1980s and Professor Byrne was involved with it during his years at ANU, including his time there as Dean of Science.
He has worked to bring the program to Brisbane since he joined Õ¬Äе¼º½ last year.
National Youth Science Forum chair Andrew Metcalfe said the agreement with Õ¬Äе¼º½ would allow a wider range of experiences to be offered to all participants, both in January and through follow-up programs.
“We are delighted to welcome Õ¬Äе¼º½ as our second host university next year,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“We are excited about the possibilities for our science tour program and the access to industry that the south-east Queensland location offers.
“More importantly, the agreement with Õ¬Äе¼º½ allows us to meet the continuing and increasing demand from young people and their families, as they consider future options for study in science, technology, engineering and maths fields.”
The program is part of the Commonwealth’s .
Mr Metcalfe said current year 11 students should apply for the 2018 program from 1 March, with all documentation to be submitted by 31 May. Participants for the January program will be selected competitively by volunteers from Rotary districts across Australia.
The 2017 program at ANU this month involves 400 students who are entering year 12.
“During the program, students live on campus, visit labs and talk to leading researchers, tour industrial and research facilities, take part in debates, lectures and dinner, and build social and professional networks,” he said.
“More than 10,500 students have participated in a National Youth Science Forum program since 1984, and an estimated 85 per cent have continued on to study STEM degrees.”
The program also runs a National Science Teachers Summer School, giving science teachers from across Australia access to the latest research, valuable networks, and presentations on developments in teaching.
Contact: Fiona Cameron, Õ¬Äе¼º½ Communications, +61 7 3346 7086, communications@uq.edu.au