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| ANSTO backs Aussies at the Science Olympics. |
Australia’s brightest young science minds, including two students sponsored by ANSTO, have returned home from the International Science Olympiads with medals in hand.
The annual competition for exceptional secondary school students attracted participants from more than 100 nations. Held across three different countries, it truly is an international event. In 2011, Taiwan played host to the biology competition, with physics held in Thailand and Turkey hosting chemistry.
ANSTO sponsored Sydney Grammar School students Justin Cheung, year 12, and Lachlan Vom, year 11. Both did ANSTO proud, with Justin bringing home bronze in physics, and Lachlan bringing home bronze in chemistry. Their remarkable achievements place Lachlan and Justin in the top 50 per cent of students selected to participate in the Olympiads.
Lachlan explained, “From an early age I always felt a connection with science, but only discovered physics last year, when I came across the Feynman lectures in the school library. The inherent logical and spatial nature of physics instantly appealed to me, and has since grown into a passion.”
“Perhaps most important though was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who share a passion for science and chemistry”, he said of the competition.
Justin also enjoyed the social and cultural benefits, as well as the overall experience, going so far as to describe his involvement as, “Defining my high school years”.
“The experience didn’t feel like hard work. My study for the Olympiad program was spurred by a genuine passion and love for chemistry. This experience has developed my love for science, immersing me further into a field I hope to continue to pursue after my schooling,” said Justin.
ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson said the organisation’s sponsorship of the Olympiads is just another way that ANSTO is developing the next generation of Australian scientists.
“The Olympiads are a great training ground for our future scientists. The program provides both theoretical study and hands-on lab work, giving participants first hand experience with the work of science that goes beyond the school room.”
“Based on the success at this year’s Olympiads, the future of science in Australia is looking extremely positive”, said Adi.
Justin and Lachlan were among the thirteen Australian students chosen from 2,700 who sat the national qualifying exams. The selection process involved a series of challenging exams and training sessions, facilitated by Australian Science Innovations and designed to determine Australia’s best and brightest.
Published: 18/09/2011