Year 11 students from the Campbelltown region have been awarded a Victor Chang School Science Award for their outstanding achievements in the field of science.
These bright young minds are being highlighted for their passion for STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – subjects that are increasingly out of favour with students across Australia.
Enrolments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are continuing to fall or stagnate with less than 10 percent of Australian year 12 students now studying the highest level of maths. It's seen Australia drop in global rankings for math results from being in the top 10 in 2003 to 30th – a huge decline.
It's hoped this year's awards, which were given out at Campbelltown City Hall last week, will help reverse this trend and inspire a future generation of scientists.
"Children are naturally curious, and we need to encourage students across the country to embrace science and understand just how important STEM skills can be in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity," says Professor Jason Kovacic, Executive Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.
"These budding scientists are already demonstrating incredible skills in the classroom that we hope will lead to a new generation of scientific leaders. "It's vital that we tackle this brain drain in Australia and demonstrate that a career in science can be incredibly rewarding and help improve lives the world over."
This year 12 students from the following schools were recognised for their achievements: Ingleburn High School, Hurlstone Agricultural High School, John Therry Catholic College, St Patricks' College for Girls, Macquarie Fields High School, Airds High School, Campbelltown Performing Arts High School and Robert Townson High School.
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute with the support of Campbelltown City Council wants to encourage students to embrace science and be inspired to consider a fulfilling career in research.
"There has never been a more exciting time to study STEM with incredible advances taking place in robotics, genetics, biomedicine and artificial intelligence," adds Professor Kovacic.
Campelltown Mayor George Greiss said the Victor Chang School Science Awards presented fantastic opportunities for local students to foster an interest in science.
"Our region has a strong STEM sector that will only be bolstered in the coming years by the significant growth we are experiencing," Cr Greiss said.
"It's important that young people are engaging with STEM subjects during their formative years so that they are able to take advantage of the local opportunities that are coming," he said.
The Victor Chang School Science Awards were established to celebrate young, gifted students excelling in science, honouring Dr Victor Chang's legacy in fostering education.
