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Season's Greetings from the NYSF!  

What an extraordinary year it has been for us all here at the NYSF. Our life-changing programs reached almost 1000 young Australians over the past year via the NYSF Year 12 Program, NYSF STEM Hubs and the National Youth STEM Summit!  

Looking ahead, the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program is just days from kicking off. Over 450 students will be travelling across Australia to explore their science and technology futures at our Canberra and Brisbane sessions. Over a packed 18 days, they’ll experience 150 STEM visits, specialist lectures, live crosses, careers days, and much more!  

The NYSF is committed to improving diversity in our science and technology workforce by supporting inclusive pathways for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and others typically underrepresented in STEM. For the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program we are proud to welcome 46% of participants from remote and regional areas, 61% young women and 4% Indigenous Australians.  

While focused on January for now, later in 2026 we will be delivering NYSF STEM Hubs for students in years 10-12 and the NYSF National Youth STEM Summit in Canberra, 12-14 September 2026.   

We couldn’t shape the future of STEM without the help of our partners, supporters, Rotary and the many individuals and organisations that so generously give their time as NYSF volunteers – thank you all. 

At this time of year, we are especially mindful that demand for our equity and access scholarships is now more than three times higher than we can support and that need continues to grow. For those who are able, a donation this Christmas can help us extend NYSF opportunities to more young Australians, regardless of their circumstances. 

Wishing you a safe, joyful holiday season ahead of 2026!  

Season’s greetings,  

Dr. Melanie Bagg  

CEO, NYSF 

 
 
Meet our alumni
 
NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image

Join us at the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program Speed Meet and Alumni Networking Events

Join us at the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program Speed Meet and Alumni Networking events to support the next generation of NYSFers and forge critical professional networks with representatives from industry, research and government. 

Click the links below to find out more and register now!

Canberra - 8 January 2025

 
NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image

Support an NYSFer

This Christmas, give a gift that truly makes a difference.

For many young people, talent and curiosity aren’t the problem; access is.

A donation to the NYSF helps underprivileged students take part in inspiring STEM experiences they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.

Why not get into the true spirit of Christmas this year, and give the gift of STEM education and help young Australians find their future.

Donate today and make a lasting impact that changes lives. 

Meet our alumni
 
NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image

NYSF 2013: Where STEM, and a love story, began for Patrick and Beth

 

When Beth Metcalfe and Patrick Grant attended the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2013, they left with new confidence, lifelong friendships, and a clearer view of their STEM futures. More than a decade on, both have built impressive careers in veterinary medicine and polymer chemistry—and are preparing to be married next year. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact that NYSF can have on students’ lives, both professionally and personally.

 

Are you an NYSF alum with news and achievements you'd like to share? Tag us in your social media posts or email communications@nysf.edu.au!

Meet our alumni
 
NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image

Discover the scholarships you could be eligible for when studying science at UQ.

Whether you’re excelling in your studies, facing financial hardship, and/or looking to gain valuable industry experience, there may be a UQ science scholarship that can help you on your way.

Find out more about the scholarships available at the link below.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image
Didn’t get the ATAR you need to get into your desired science degree? Discover UQ’s tertiary studies pathway.

Even if your ATAR falls short of what you need to get into your preferred program, you still have options.

UQ will step you through one of the most popular uni pathways, using specific examples from different study areas, so you can find out exactly how to get into your ideal bachelor's program at UQ.

 
 

 

 

Thank you to our 2025 NYSF Partners

NYSF Newsletter: December 2025 End of year message and save the dates! - content image
 
 
Student discussing career options with an NYSF partner

Become an NYSF Partner

Our Partners are invaluable in ensuring we can continue to deliver transformative STEM experiences to young Australians. To get involved and learn more about a Partnership with the NYSF click here.