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Australia’s future STEM leaders arrive in Canberra for National Youth Science Forum
More than 300 young people from across Australia will arrive in Canberra this week for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program, running from 6–14 January.
Living on campus and immersed in 9 days of hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), participants will explore cutting-edge research, meet leading scientists and innovators, and discover real-world STEM career pathways.
Canberra’s concentration of national research institutions provides a unique backdrop for the program, with participants attending exclusive visits across science, defence, engineering and forensics.
During the Canberra session, Program participants will:
- Visit the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) at ANU, taking part in an interactive, game-based experience that explores how research evidence and public policy intersect. Developed with science-theatre collective Boho Interactive, the session gives participants hands-on insight into decision-making, collaboration and real-world public health challenges.
- Travel to CSIRO’s Boorowa Agricultural Research Station, a working digital farm where participants will see advanced agricultural technologies in action and learn how CSIRO research supports productive and climate-resilient farming systems.
- Visit the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) at ANU, learning how advanced technologies support crop research and climate resilience.
- Experience a live Drone Racing demonstration with the Air Force Drone Racing Association, highlighting high-speed engineering, robotics and Defence STEM careers.
- Take part in a dedicated Careers Day, connecting directly with STEM professionals from a wide range of industries.
The NYSF Year 12 Program is designed to broaden access to STEM opportunities and support young people who are traditionally underrepresented in science and technology pathways. Across the full 2026 program, 46 per cent of participants come from regional and remote areas, 61 per cent are young women, and 3 per cent identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. By removing financial, geographic and social barriers, NYSF helps ensure that curiosity and passion for STEM, not postcode or background, determine who gets access to life-changing opportunities.
Dr Melanie Bagg, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Science Forum, said the program plays a vital role in building Australia’s future STEM workforce.
“The NYSF Year 12 Program is a life-changing experience for students, opening doors to STEM opportunities and empowering young people from all over Australia to pursue careers that will shape our future,” Dr Bagg said.
“It gives them the opportunity to see what science and technology looks like beyond the classroom and explore where a STEM career can take them.”
Thanks to the support of the NYSF Funding partners, Rotary in Australia and private donors, scholarships are available to help remove financial barriers and ensure equitable access to the program.
