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Hi 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program Participants,

NYSF merch is officially here and needless to say we are ✨obsessed✨. Check out what's on offer below before the team over here at the NYSF call dibs on all the funky socks!

While you're on the hunt for your the latest piece for your wardrobe, don't forget to book your travel and complete the student travel details form. After all, an NYSF hoodie has nothing on the in-person experience you'll have in January!

Please ensure you read this update carefully and complete the actions listed to ensure a smooth arrival at the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program in January.

In this update:

  • Book your travel and complete the student travel details form - Due 19 November
  • Check out our NYSF merch
  • Dive into the latest STEM Visit announcements
  • Register your interest for other NYSF opportunities
 
 

Book your travel and complete the student travel details form

Once your place in the program is confirmed we encourage you to book your travel. We encourage families to consider taking out travel insurance to cover any unexpected emergencies or changes to your plans due to illness/personal events. Please note, the NYSF is unable to provide any recommendations or advice on travel insurance.

You should arrive on the first day of your session between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. and depart on the last day between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. If you will need to arrive or depart outside of these times, please contact the NYSF to discuss at nysf@nysf.edu.au.

If you are planning to drive yourself to and from the Program, please note that no parking is available at the residences for participants. You will need to arrange your own (likely paid) parking elsewhere. NYSF takes no responsibility for private vehicles during the Program.

Once your travel is confirmed, please complete the Student Travels Details form. This will let us know when to expect you, and for students not travelling via car, it allows us to coordinate shuttle buses to meet and transport you from Brisbane International and Canberra Airports, and major train and bus stations to your accommodation. 

Please complete this form by 19 November 2025.

Complete the student travel details form
 

Sweet NYSF merch is calling your name 👇

We’re excited to let you know that NYSF 2026 merchandise pre-orders are now open! 🎉 

What's available?

  • NYSFer” Tee – our classic navy shirt celebrating what it means to be an NYSFer
  • NYSF Crewneck – comfy, cosy, and perfect for cool mornings
  • Vintage NYSF Hoodie (X-Small only) – a very limited number of bright blue, old-style hoodies from past programs

But, get in quick, pre-orders close on November 16! Order your NYSF 2026 merchandise here.

 
 

Fresh STEM Visit announcements have landed!

STEM Visits are a core part of the NYSF Year 12 Program and are a fantastic way for you to explore groundbreaking STEM and meet the professionals making it happen. Check out some of the STEM Visits you might attend during the program below 👇

 

University of Canberra Nursing

Are you curious about what it’s really like to study health at university? Join us for an action-packed visit to UC and get a taste of the exciting world of healthcare! You’ll get to explore our nursing labs and see science in action—where it’s not just theory, but real skills that save lives. Meet our super-realistic manikins (they breathe, blink, and even have a heartbeat!) and watch as we show you how nurses use science every day, from using IVs to keeping everything germ-free.

But this isn’t just a demo—you’ll have the chance to ask questions, have a go at the skills, try out equipment, and see if a career in health is right for you. Whether you’re interested in nursing, paramedicine, sports science, or any of UC’s awesome health degrees, this session is your backstage pass to the world of healthcare.Bring your curiosity and get ready to discover how you could make a difference!

 

Discover the Fascinating World of Groundwater at QUT

Are you ready to dive into the captivating realm of environmental science? Groundwater is a critical resource that can be accessed to replenish the supply of drinking water when surface water availability is scarce. Groundwater can be cleaner but more vulnerable than its counterpart, surface water, and understanding its exchange through the underground mediums is key to the management and monitoring of groundwater networks.  

In this hands-on workshop QUT Science researcher, Associate Professor Lucy Reading, you take you on a fascinating journey of groundwater assessment and exploration, where you will learn and test how different sediments affect water storage and extraction, simulate groundwater flow and gain insights into its movement patterns.

Key learning:

  • Visualise Groundwater Resources through 3D visualisation. 
  • Hands-On Experimentation.  Test how much water can fit in the pore spaces between different sediments and how much water can be extracted from different sediments (this is a representation of pumping groundwater from bores/well)
  • Interactive Groundwater Flow:  With our 3D physical model (or rainwater simulator if needed), delve into the world of groundwater flow and gain insights into its movement patterns.  You will have the opportunity to interact directly with this demonstration, making the learning experience both engaging and enlightening.

Exploring the Future: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Workshop at QUT

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are two technologies that are transforming our ever-changing world. Separately, these technologies have provided us with the ability to make great strides in how we connect and engage globally. But together, Robotics and AI can be the driving forces to creating new technology and solving local and global challenges. We have seen how Robotics and AI have worked well together in areas such as medical technology, self-driving vehicles, cyber security, and manufacturing systems. Now, let us learn how we can utilize Robotics and AI as we prepare for the future.

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the fascinating world of Robotics and AI This workshop aims to demystify these cutting-edge technologies and provide a learning experience for individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. Along with a tour QUT’s Centre for Robotics, the workshop will explore the following areas:

• Introduction to Robotics and AI

• AI Fundamentals

• Ethical Considerations

• Real-world applications

• Future Trends 

Explore even more NYSF opportunities

Got your first taste of the NYSF experience and feeling hungry for more? 

Dive into even more incredible STEM opportunities at an NYSF STEM Hub in 2026! Hosted in capital cities around Australia including Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, NYSF STEM Hubs give you the opportunity to learn more about groundbreaking, national STEM research and projects - not to mention giving you the opportunity to connect with the STEM professionals, education and training providers, and organisations making it all possible.

Register your interest here
 
 
 

Do you have a question for the NYSF?

If you have a question in the lead up to the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program please read the frequently asked questions on our website. 

Can't find the answer you're looking in the FAQs? Get in touch by emailing us at nysf@nysf.edu.au.

Read the FAQs
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National Youth Science Forum
Leonard Huxley Building
56 Mills Road
The Australian National University
ACTON ACT 2601

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