From 6-14 January, young Australians from across the country gathered at The Australian National University (ANU) to take part in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 program. The nine-day immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and showcase future pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The NYSF Year 12 Program supports students heading into their final year of high school by providing insight into university study, research, and STEM careers.
While staying in ANU residential accommodation, participants explored campus facilities, engaged with researchers and industry partners, took part in team-building activities and connected with NYSF alumni.
This year’s program began with an opening event at the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome, where participants heard from a range of speakers, including ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joan Leach.
Later, students were welcomed to ANU with an introductory presentation about the University, followed by a talk from Sanuga, one of the College’s student ambassadors, who shared his experience of studying engineering at ANU.
Participants then attended a NYSF Canberra Careers Day exhibition, where they explored a wide range of study and career options. Exhibitors included Monash University, UNSW Sydney, Swinburne University, and the University of Canberra, alongside organisations such as Atlassian, CSL Biotechnology, and Defence.
The NYSF Canberra Careers Day showcased a range of STEM study and career options.
Throughout the program, students toured the ANU campus and experienced STEM in action through a series of interactive workshops. They took a behind the scenes look at ANU chemistry and earth sciences laboratories, medical technology at the ANU Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility and nuclear facilities at ANU, as well as the Indigenous Genomics lab at the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research.
The ANU College of Systems and Society was proud to host several sessions showcasing research and teaching across mathematics, computing, and engineering.
Discover Google’s PageRank with playdough
The ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute hosted a hands-on workshop using playdough to demonstrate the mathematics behind Google’s PageRank Algorithm. By transforming an abstract concept into an interactive activity, the session helped students visualise complex ideas and engage with mathematical thinking – perfect for visual learners.
Explore robotics and learning innovation
At the ANU School of Computing, participants explored the core concepts of robotics and met ‘Tappy’, our much-loved robot dog. The session concluded with the ANU Escape Room, where students experienced how immersive learning environments can support problem-solving, collaboration, and deeper understanding.
Studying the power of nanomaterials
Hosted by the ANU School of Engineering, this workshop introduced students to the surprising ways materials behave at the nanoscale. Participants learned how these unique properties are used to develop new technologies and drive innovation across a range of industries.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 program such a success. Through hands-on learning, collaboration and exposure to cutting-edge research, the NYSF Year 12 Program continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. We can’t wait to see what this group of young minds does next.
Learn more about NYSF.
You may also like
Welcoming our newest students to the ANU College of Systems and Society
From 16-20 February, we celebrate O-Week for Semester 1, 2026 and wish a very warm welcome to all our new and continuing ANU students.