The Armidale School has two students attending National Youth Science Forum

Tom Wright of Armidale and Hugh Worsley from Inverell are looking forward to the opportunities at the 12-day immersive residential camps, which are an initiative of Rotary.

The camps seek to promote study, research and commercial applications in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“I’m really keen to experience the facilities at a major university and particularly the engineering side of things,” said Tom.

“It will be great to mix with a lot of like-minded young people with such similar interests.”

Hugh agreed.

“It will be great to do some fun science and meet scientists and other professionals who have had interesting careers in the field and also find out what’s happening at a research level,” Hugh said. 

NYSF is a prestigious program that helps students moving into year 12 who wish to follow careers in science, engineering and technology by introducing them to research and researchers.

It also encourages the achievement of excellence in all their undertakings, and by helping to develop their communication and interpersonal skills. 

Students attending the forums learn about the variety of ways that STEM is used in practice and the range of careers that relate to it.

The forum also examines the role STEM plays in broader social and economic issues affecting both Australia and overseas, and how it can provide solutions to past and present problems.

There is also discussion on science in everyday life, ethics, diversity and leadership.

Tom will be attending the first forum in the first two weeks of the new year, while Hugh will be part at the second forum in the last two weeks of January.

Students are selected through one of the 21 Rotary districts around Australia.

Tom and Hugh have been sponsored to attend by the Armidale North Rotary Club.