120 of Australia’s brightest young high school students visited ANSTO. The visit, organised by the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), was aimed at sparking interest in a career in the sciences.
The students toured ANSTO’s reactor facility, neutron guide hall and the Australian National Tandem Research Accelerator (ANTARES) and were given the chance to meet with young scientists employed as part of the ANSTO Graduate Development Program.
With the help of Dr Tracy Hanley from ANSTO’s Institute of Material’s Engineering, Graduates Tim Rownes, Alexie Seller and Anwen Krause-Heuer fielded questions about what it’s like to be a scientist.
What subjects to take at university, whether there were many opportunities for travel, and how to achieve a work-life balance were amongst the many questions asked by the visiting young science buffs.
The students were later joined by other members of the Graduate Development Program for a casual chat over afternoon tea.
NYSF participant Claire Chauvier found the tour to be a highly educational and unique experience.
“The highlight of the tour for me was the visit to OPAL. Its role in the production of radiopharmaceuticals is relevant to what I am studying in physics, and it is an area of science that I am particularly interested in.”
“Seeing the ANSTO scientists and engineers smiling and speaking enthusiastically about their love of science reinforces science as a possible career path for me.
I would recommend that school students studying physics and chemistry visit ANSTO as the textbooks do not do the equipment we learn about justice.
It can be difficult to find a school excursion that is both engaging and relevant to HSC students, but from my tour of the facilities, ANSTO ticks all the boxes.”
ANSTO is proud of to be a long-term sponsor of the NYSF program, coordinated locally all around Australia by the Rotary Districts.
The program aims to expose high school students to a wide range of study and career opportunities in science, technology and engineering.
The program consists of a mix of scientific, formal, personal development, and social activities.
The NYSF is the only program in Australia that offers students currently in Year 11 and 12 the chance to test-drive a wide range of universities and careers in the sciences.
Published: 13/07/2011