Madison selected for science forum

Madison Rodier, a Year 11 student at Umina High School, has been selected from over 2000 applicants to attend the National Youth Science Forum being held in Canberra in January 2001.
Madison, who gained selection in a highly competitive field, will travel to Canberra to take part in the two-week residential program of activities. It aims to enthuse students to continue tertiary studies leading to a possible career in a science, engineering or technology field.
Selection for the NYSF is highly competitive, with only 276 students selected from 2200 high schools all over Australia by more than 1120 Rotary clubs and from nearly 2000 applicants.
Students selected must be in Year 11 and intend to follow a career in science or a science-related area.
As well as this, the student must be at the top of the science classes at high school and, in addition, possess motivation and communication skills which make a good scientist.
At the National Youth Science Forum students meet scientists in the science discipline they wish to study, work in laboratories with these people, and learn directly from them what a career in science will be like. They also participate in debates, visit significant sites of scientific endeavour and practise job interviews.
In addition, students meet with those of similar abilities and ambitions, something which is not always possible in one's home town.
The NYSF is made possible by the Rotary Clubs of Australia and by institutions which provide the scientific aspects of the program.
Institutions include the Australian National University, the University of Canberra where the National Youth Science Forum is based, the CSIRO Australia and partner universities.
External sponsors also make a substantial crash grant to pay for travel, administrative and other costs.