National Youth Science Forum

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is an Australian residential summer school programme designed to inspire and support high-achieving secondary school students who are interested in pursuing careers in science, engineering, and related disciplines. Targeted primarily at students transitioning from Year 11 into Year 12, the programme combines academic exposure, career exploration, and personal development, with a particular emphasis on scientific thinking, innovation, and communication skills. Until 1995, the programme was known as the National Science Summer School (NSSS).
Held annually in January, the NYSF has become one of Australia’s most prestigious science enrichment programmes for secondary students and has played a significant role in encouraging young people to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways.

Purpose and Educational Aims

The core purpose of the National Youth Science Forum is to expose students to the breadth and depth of scientific and technological careers beyond the school curriculum. The programme aims to bridge the gap between secondary education and tertiary study by providing direct interaction with leading scientists, engineers, academics, and industry professionals.
In addition to academic enrichment, the NYSF places strong emphasis on developing transferable skills. Participants receive training in public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. These skills are intended to prepare students not only for university study but also for professional environments where communication and collaboration are essential.

Programme Structure and Delivery

The NYSF is a fully residential programme, traditionally conducted over several weeks in January. Sessions are hosted in major Australian cities, most notably Canberra and Brisbane, with additional locations introduced over time. Activities are highly structured and intensive, leaving little time for external engagements, a design intended to foster strong peer interaction and immersion in the programme.
Participants attend lectures, laboratory visits, demonstrations, workshops, and site tours across universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industry facilities. Supervision and mentoring are provided by trained student staff, many of whom are alumni of the programme, alongside resident counsellors affiliated with Rotary International.
Although the programme primarily serves Australian students, it has also included participants from countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, contributing to an international perspective and cross-cultural exchange.

Origins and Early Development

The origins of the National Youth Science Forum date back to 1983, when funding was secured from the Canberra Development Board, with assistance from several key organisations. These included Rotary International, The Australian National University, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Canberra College of Advanced Education, which later became the University of Canberra.
The concept was developed by Mr Neville Whiffen, then Chairman of the Canberra Development Board, with strong support from Rotary International members in District 968, Sydney. The organisational and administrative framework was established by staff of the Canberra College of Advanced Education.
The first National Science Summer School was held in January 1984, with 198 students selected from across Australia. From the outset, the programme was notable for its national scope and its emphasis on academic excellence and scientific curiosity.

Key Figures and Early Leadership

Several individuals played central roles in establishing and sustaining the programme in its formative years. Among the mainstays were Mr Bob Mitchell, an educator who later became Assistant Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, and Mr Ian Frencham, then associated with the Canberra College of Advanced Education.
A particularly influential figure was Rodney Jory of the University of Canberra, who became the founding Director of what later evolved into the NYSF. Rotary International also played a vital role, with Rotarian couples from each Australian state serving as house parents, providing pastoral care and supervision for students.
The programme was formally incorporated on 5 June 1984 as National Science Summer School Inc., marking its transition from an experimental initiative to a permanent national organisation.

Expansion and Programme Innovation

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the programme underwent significant expansion and refinement. In 1985, specialised activity groups were introduced for the first time, allowing students to focus on particular scientific disciplines and areas of interest.
In 1990, corporate sponsorship was secured from CRA Limited, which provided substantial financial support. As a result, the programme was renamed the CRA National Science Summer School, and participant numbers increased to 144 students per session.
The following years saw further innovation. In 1991, graduate seminars were introduced, enabling current participants to interact with former NSSS students who had completed university studies and entered professional careers. This provided valuable insight into career pathways and real-world applications of scientific education. Additional training for student staff was implemented in the early 1990s to enhance programme quality and supervision.

Transition to the National Youth Science Forum

In January 1995, the programme was officially renamed the National Youth Science Forum, reflecting its broader educational mission and national identity. Later that year, organisational responsibilities were adjusted, including changes in administrative staffing.
Corporate sponsorship continued to shape the programme’s development. CRA Limited later merged with RTZ Plc to form the Rio Tinto Group, which became a major sponsor. However, in 1999, Rio Tinto announced a phased withdrawal of full sponsorship, prompting the NYSF Council to diversify its funding base by seeking support from universities and industry partners.
By January 2000, the NYSF operated for the first time without a sponsor’s name attached, marking a shift towards greater institutional independence.

Organisational Changes and Leadership

The early 2000s saw significant organisational changes. Long-serving staff members retired, and a more formal professional structure was established, including full-time administrative staff and financial oversight.
In 2005, founding Director Rodney Jory retired after years of dedicated service. He was succeeded by Geoffrey Burchfield, formerly head of the CSIRO Media Unit in Canberra. Under his leadership, the NYSF continued to modernise and expand, including the introduction of additional sessions.
In 2010, a third NYSF session was held in Perth, Western Australia, reflecting growing demand and national reach. After eight years as Director, Burchfield stepped down in 2013 to focus on programme development, and was succeeded by Damien Pearce.
In 2017, it was announced that an additional session would commence in 2018, hosted at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, further strengthening the programme’s presence in eastern Australia.

Application and Selection Process

Applications to the National Youth Science Forum are open annually to Year 11 students who are Australian permanent residents or citizens. The application process is competitive and designed to identify students with strong academic ability, motivation, and interest in science and technology.
Applications typically close on 31 May for the forum held in the following January. Rotary International plays a significant role in the selection and sponsorship process, with many students supported through Rotary clubs. Selection may involve written applications, interviews, and, in some cases, examinations, depending on local Rotary and school arrangements.

Educational and Social Impact

Over several decades, the NYSF has had a substantial impact on science education and career aspiration in Australia. Many alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, medicine, engineering, and research. The programme has contributed to building a national network of scientifically literate and motivated individuals who often maintain long-term connections with peers met during the forum.
Beyond academic outcomes, the NYSF fosters social development by bringing together students from diverse geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The residential nature of the programme encourages collaboration, mutual respect, and lifelong friendships.