Welcome
The National Youth Science Forum-NYSF
About the NYSF program
NYSF is a unique opportunity for those Year 11 students who intend to pursue a career in Science, Engineering and related disciplines, to attend the Australian National University in Canberra in January each year as a university student. During that time, selected students will live on Campus together with 100 other like minded students in two separate sessions of 12 days duration.
The NYSF program consists of a mix of scientific, formal, personal development, and social activities. These range from laboratory visits to sports evenings and from a swing dance to working on understanding group dynamics. All aspects of the program contribute to one or more of three central strands:
1.STEM in action;
2.STEM in society; and
3.The next generation of STEM.
During your stay you will meet a range of scientists and researchers, visit them at work and do the kinds of things they do every day.
You will debate the hottest topics in science and engineering and gather valuable skills that will give you that edge through Year 12 and beyond.But it's not all work - there's also time for fun and to get to know the other students.
You will debate the hottest topics in science and engineering and gather valuable skills that will give you that edge through Year 12 and beyond.But it's not all work - there's also time for fun and to get to know the other students.
For more about STEM visit the many references on the internet with emphasis on the position paper from the Chief Scientist Office.
It is essential that you visit the NYSF website at https://www.nysf.edu.au/ to gain a full appreciation about this program.
It is essential that you visit the NYSF website at https://www.nysf.edu.au/ to gain a full appreciation about this program.
When Held
NYSF is usually held in second week January each year. Applications for NYSF 2018 open 1 March 2017 and close 31 May 2017.
Please note: In 2015/2016 the NYSF received almost 1200 applicants for the NYSF’s Year 12 January program but only 400 places could be made available. Additional places are contemplated in future years through the availability of recent additional government funding. So one can see that this is a very competitive program.
You can register your name with the NYSF office if you want to be advised when the 2018 application form is available by accessing
Who should attend
The NYSF program helps students moving into Year 12, who wish to follow careers in science, engineering and technology by introducing them to research and researchers, by encouraging the achievement of excellence in all their undertakings, and by helping to develop their communication and interpersonal skills. It fosters discussion of and interest in major national and global issues and emphasises the importance of continuing active interest in sport, arts and music. Note that applicants must: be in year 11 at the time of submitting their expression of interest; be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and; intend to pursue a university degree at an Australian university to study science, engineering, technology, or a related discipline.
The Rotary Club of Engadine has been fortunate over the years to be able to sponsor a number of students to NYSF.
How is Rotary Involved in the NYSF Program ?
Rotary has been in a partner in this program since 1984 along with the Australian Government ,major industry , national research institutes and universities.
It is through the many Rotary District and Club NYSF committees, that students are sponsored, selection interviews arranged and nominations forwarded the NYSF organisation to complete the process. Selection is not based solely on academic results. NYSF participants should have interests outside school such as sport, music and art.
It is through the many Rotary District and Club NYSF committees, that students are sponsored, selection interviews arranged and nominations forwarded the NYSF organisation to complete the process. Selection is not based solely on academic results. NYSF participants should have interests outside school such as sport, music and art.
Engadine Rotary also offers assistance with the fees.
How do I apply and What is the Process.
The following steps should also be read in conjunction with those on the NSFY website accessed at https://www.nysf.edu.au/applying. The application process involves several stages as follows:-
1. Applicants must fill and submit an Expressions of interest using the NYSF website - https://www.nysf.edu.au/eoi ensuring that you closely read and follow the instructions on that webpage. Once you have completed the initial online expression of interest, an email will be sent to you with a username and password that will allow you to access the next step in the online expression of interest.
2. To assist with application insert " 9675 " for this Rotary District and for this club insert " Engadine"
3. Each applicant must be endorsed by a Rotary Club and therefore if you wish to be considered for sponsorship by this club, you must make contact with our Youth Services Director, Mr Peter Sheehy on 9520 0822 or email petersheehy10@gmail.com to
a. to advise him of your intentions,
b. to arrange for an interview
c. and if successful to have your application endorsed.
Should you wish to be endorsed by another Club you will find the District Club list at http://www.rotarydistrict9675.org.au/clubdirectory/
You will need to contact that club to find out whether that club is in fact participating the in the program.
4. When you have completed your application on-line, please print two or more hard copies and forward one copy with your school report together with a covering letter to our Youth Services Director , as arranged in 3 above
5. After interviewing you ( and any others who may also be applying ), this club will advise you in writing whether you have been successful or not . If found suitable , this club will forward your application to the District 9675 NYSF committee, who will then complete the selection process by interview independent of this club.
If you meet the criteria don't stop here - Go to the NYSF website and apply
Past Awardees
The Rotary Club of Engadine has been fortunate over the years to be able to sponsor a number of students to NYSF.
Our successful candidates since started in 1985/86 are :-
1985/86 Christopher Turner
1990/91 Lois Jones
1994/95 Russell Thomas
1996/97 Deborah Jones
2009 -Emily Doran of Helensburgh and St John Bosco College, went on to attend the NYSF in January 2009 and was richly rewarded by the experience..
2013 Ashleigh Steeles from Heathcote High School who attended NYSF in Perth
2013 Ashleigh Steeles from Heathcote High School who attended NYSF in Perth
The Rotary Club of Engadine is indeed very pleased to be able to sponsor our budding scientists to this very auspicious forum. It is indeed a reward to our three High School Science Department's for fostering very capable students. Well done all concerned.
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Download the website sponsorship guide