Exploring STEM opportunities around Australia at the Year 12 Program

Zoology, engineering, forensic science, astronomy, nanotechnology, DNA analysis, veterinary science, mathematics, and art – you name the STEM field, our participants experienced it during the 2021 NYSF Year 12 Program STEM visits.

Around Australia, more than 80 in-person and digital STEM visits happened simultaneously across three days. The visits showcased the endless possibilities available with a STEM degree and provided Year 12 Program participants with an insight into their future careers.

Local NYSF participants in Townsville, Armidale, Perth, Newcastle, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, and Adelaide were treated to in-person visits. The visits included workshops, hands-on activities, lectures, and tours of state-of-the-art STEM facilities. The digital sessions included similar activities for participants who aren't located at our in-person hubs, ensuring no one missed out on the STEM action.

In-person STEM visits were held at:

• The Australian National University facilities, including the Australian Signals Directorate and the Rural Medical Society
• The University of Queensland, including workshops with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre, and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• Griffith University’s Sea Jellies Lab and Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery
• CSIRO and the James Cook University Molecular Ecology & Evolution Laboratory and Australian Institute of Marine Science in Townsville
• The Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies and the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart
• The Agronomy, Animal Science and Agriculture Precinct with the University of New England in Armidale
• The Telethon Kids Institute, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research at University of Western Australia and Forensic Science with Murdoch University in Perth
• The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and Defence Science and Technology in Adelaide
• Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology faculties at the University of Newcastle

Our digital STEM visits transported participants to facilities around Australia and the world with:

• The University of Melbourne
• The Australian Antarctic Division
• Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
• Mount Stromlo and Sliding Springs Observatories
• Taronga Zoo
• Gilmour Space Technologies and Sabre Astrophysics
• Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

These lists only scratch the surface of what our 2021 NYSF Year 12 Program participants experienced across the three jam-packed days of STEM Visits. For a full list of providers and activities, check out the STEM visits providers page.

Our participants were ecstatic with both the digital and in-person STEM Visits. Here’s a snapshot of feedback we received:

“I never really thought about marine science as an option but seeing what they do with coral definitely made me interested!” – Townsville NYSF Participant.

“It was amazing to see all of the things at DSTG, to hear about the opportunities for working there in the future, learning about what is done there and the work environment.” – Adelaide NYSF Participant.

“I liked every digital visit so far this week. It has been very interesting to see the recent developments and especially meet researchers that are working hard to try to come up with new ways to cure some cancers.” – Digital NYSF Participant.

“The National Computational infrastructure visit was absolutely inspiring. The amount of detail which we got to see the facility was truly a gift. The presenters were very enthusiastic and planned/executed a wonderful visit.” – Canberra NYSF Participant.

“Exploring the cool facilities at Curtin University as well as the STEM teamwork activity. I also enjoyed the tour of the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and the presentation using the Raspberry Pi mini supercomputer.” – Perth NYSF Participant.

Thank you to all the STEM visit hosts who generously opened their doors literally and virtually to our participants. These visits make a path-altering impact on participants' future and help them discover their future STEM passion.

We are grateful to have been able to provide most participants with the in-person aspect of our program, to give them the chance to connect with other participants over their STEM passions and find out about the many opportunities available in STEM in various states.