Posted by Sam McCurdy
A successful 2021 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) was held from 5th - 22nd January. Unlike previous years, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it did not involve a residential programs at either the Australian National University in Canberra, or the University of Queensland in Brisbane.
Instead, it involved three days of in-person visits at scientific facilities around the country alongside an online program where students enjoyed a series of lectures developed specifically for the NYSF by a wide range of scientists, that included Nobel laureates and well known science communicators. The in-person visits were based on hubs around the country to prevent unnecessary travel.
Although we expected some level of disappointment at this enforced departure from the normal NYSF program, the following glowing endorsement from our own Club sponsored student, Zimo Zhu, allayed that fear. Zimo sent this emailed report to our Youth Director, PDG Tim Moore.
Hello Tim,Zimo here. đ NYSF finished last Friday, and I have to say: wow! I never imagined how an online âsummer campâ would be so amazing, and it was unbelievable how even separated by screen, how many new friends you could make.
There were so many really fascinating speeches that I heard, they were so motivating and inspiring, it was a pity not to be able to meet these awesome lecturers in person. NYSF is truly eye-opening! Unfortunately, I had other commitments that came into conflict with a week of NYSF, so I was attending rowing camp at the same time. That particular week was difficult to balance, since streaming a lecture while on the river was pretty impossible. But I will watch the re-plays soon.
Two days ago, the Victoria NYSF students gathered for a dinner together, because unlike the other states and territories, we didnât have the opportunity to visit STEM places in-person. Not going to lie, the world is a very small place, I met lots of people who I had a mutual friend with! And a few new friends that I wouldâve never had the chance to meet if it wasnât for NYSF.
Overall, I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to explore science in to new degree, from a different angle (online learning). Thank you to the club in supporting me on this program! I loved it so much, I think I might apply to attend the LIYSF (London International Youth Science Forum) in 2022.
Zimo
This youth program has been supported by our Club for many years and we continue to get very positive feedback from our sponsored students, so it is one that we should continue to support.
We hope to hear from Zimo directly via Zoom at one of our upcoming meetings. I think you will be impressed by this young lady.