“Hi, I’m Jed. I am 16 years old and am in Year 11 at Berwick College.
I live in Upper Beaconsfield.
I've just recently been selected to attend the 2025 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) program in Brisbane in January 2025. As a kid I loved to do science and software development classes, and during family travels visited many different places that have taught me about geography and the science behind how many things came to be.
Attending the NYSF program sounded like a big opportunity and a chance to explore more pathways and fields in the biology and technical fields. During 2020 and the covid years, we were more heavily introduced to technology, having to use it full time for school and this got me interested in the fields of technology.
I’m excited about the chance to explore new pathways in biology and technology at the NYSF program, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gather insights that can help me in my future studies and career.
Alongside my interest in technology I spend a lot of time outside of school at the Upper Beaconsfield General store, where I work in the barnyard and serve customers”
Congratulations Jed! Jed has been successful in the highly contested NYSF application selection process. The Rotary Club of Berwick is proud to assist with funding Jed to the face to face, on campus program at the University of Queensland!
So what is NYSF?
The National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program is a 9 day program designed to give students about to start year 12 a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
In January 2025, the NYSF Year 12 Program will run two summer sessions at:
- The Australian National University, Canberra (6 –14 January)
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane (15 – 23 January)
Staying on campus at university colleges, students are immersed in science and technology. Participants:
- participate in tours of science and technology facilities,
- learn about cutting-edge research,
- engage with industry partners and research providers,
- learn about university, training and STEM career pathways,
- mix with like-minded students their age from all over Australia,
- participate in social and team building activities, and
- network with former NYSF participants.
Delivered by youth for youth, alumni of the Program return each year to help deliver each session through the NYSF Student Staff Leadership Program.
Where does Rotary fit with NYSF?
Rotary is the Founding Partner of the NYSF, and every year Rotarians continue to support the NYSF Year 12 Program by promoting the opportunity in local communities, managing applications and selections of students, and assisting with funding or fund-raising for student fees to attend. Rotarians also volunteer during the NYSF Year 12 Program in January. It is estimated that Rotarians contribute more than 20,000 volunteer hours to the NYSF every year.
NYSF Year 12 participants that are funded by Rotary often retain contact with their supporting Rotary Club long-term and go on to further hone their leadership skills through a range of Rotary opportunities and youth programs.
And where do they go from here? Remember Ryan Stewart?
Here are words from Ryan’s mum, Keatha:
“We are so pleased that another Berwick college student has been awarded the Berwick Rotary NYSF partial scholarship and congratulations to Jed Davey.
Since completing NYSF and graduating from Berwick College in 2022, Ryan is currently studying a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Theoretical Physics at University of Melbourne. Although Ryan had thought this is what they would like to do, the NYSF experience enhanced that and opened possibilities on a national and international stage. During NYSF Ryan met students from all over Australia and formed a collaboration with a Queensland student who is now also studying theoretical physics at Melbourne University and their pursuit of learning together continues. Ryan also has strong friendships with the cohort from Berwick College although no one else is studying physics. Ryan continues to play the saxophone with the Berwick College Symphonic band and performed in their 2023 end-of-year concert. In 2023 Ryan also joined several Melbourne University clubs including the Engineering Music Society, Mathematics Students Society, and Physics Student Society and this continues to this day having just performed a few weeks ago in the woodwind symphonic ensemble.
In January 2023, Ryan was awarded two scholarships from the University of Melbourne. Additionally, in 2024 Ryan was awarded the University School of Physics Laby Research Scholarship and during the winter months worked on medical accelerator physics research.
Currently, Ryan is sitting end of second-year university exams and is looking for new research opportunities or local employment options for the summer months. In 2023 Ryan started a tutoring business and is looking for new students to help with science and mathematics subjects.
We thank you and the Rotary Club for your generous support.”
And from our President Elect Jen Marshall………
“So, the Rotary Club of Berwick sponsored me to attend NYSF in Canberra in January 2003 when I was a Year 11 student at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield . It was the year of the Canberra bush fires, so not a great time to be away from home as a 16 year old. But the Rotarians kept us safe and our parents well informed that we were in the city and not near the fires.
We stayed in the Australian National University (ANU) student dorms for two weeks. In that time we did excursions, lab experiments, attended lectures, learnt about university life and all the different science options. There were also social activities to meet other students who I later became friends with at uni. After completing the program, I went to Monash University in Clayton and completed my Bachelor of Science with Honours. I majored in Chemistry and Geography and went into a career in the environmental science field.
It is a brilliant program for young people interested in a career in science to use Rotary's networks to connect you to various science areas that you may not have thought of, allowed you to mix with other likeminded people and receive the opportunity to get a taste for uni a year before getting there. “
In conclusion
NYSF is a program supported by Rotary as a founding partner. Through the generosity of the public in supporting our fundraising initiatives, the Rotary Club of Berwick remains committed to this youth program. We currently half sponsor one successful Year 11 student per annum.
Do you know a young person with a passion for science who will be in Year 12 in 2026?
Application forms will be available online at nysf.edu.au in 2025. Keep your eye out!
We look forward to hearing of Jed’s experience in Brisbane when he presents to the club in 2025!
