Science-oriented students to compete for Olympic Gold

Friday, 11 June, 2010

Sixteen highly talented students from schools around the country will take part in the 2010 International Science Olympiads.

The year 11 and 12 students will compete against hundreds of similarly gifted pupils from across the globe in chemistry, physics and biology competitions thanks to funding from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, MSD and Monash University. The events will take place in Japan, Croatia and Korea in July this year.

The students were selected for the Australian team after their outstanding efforts in a demanding series of advanced classes, exams and study sessions, plus a rigorous summer school training program at Monash University run by Australian Science Innovations (ASI), the not-for profit organisation that trains and manages the team.

Interim Executive Director of ASI Dr Nick Hagan said the Olympiads can help prepare talented students for a promising career in any of the three science competitions.

“The International Science Olympiads are a fantastic opportunity for these students to strengthen and hone their skills. The competitions will expose them to exciting new developments in the science arena and allow them to build networks that will be invaluable in their future careers as scientific leaders,” Dr Hagan said.

“In earning themselves a place in the team, these students have proved themselves to be the best of the best in Australian science. They are now going for gold at what are highly prestigious international events,” he added.

Jane Orr, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, MSD, said the students selected to compete in the esteemed events will often find themselves targeted for prominent university courses and scholarships.

“MSD is proud to sponsor this exciting initiative for the sixth year. It encourages science participation in high school and provides an avenue for exceptional students to test and showcase their talents against the rest of the world. These students are so talented that I wouldn't be surprised if one of them goes on to make a major medical discovery,” Orr said.

“After all their hard work, the students have a lot of fun and meet a range of new and interesting people during the competitions. When these students move on towards their exciting careers in science, they will look back at this experience with fondness and MSD is proud to have played a role in that,” Orr added.

The 2010 Australian of the Year and internationally renowned expert in adolescent mental health, Professor Patrick McGorry, said the Olympiads highlight the importance of supporting the country’s young science talent to ensure Australia remains at the cutting edge of the industry.

“Events such as the International Science Olympiads provide students with the guidance and preparation they need to stay ahead of their game. The Olympiads not only foster learning and development, they recognise the exceptional talent we have in this country. It is likely some of these students will one day pioneer remarkable medical discoveries that will benefit people throughout the world,” Professor McGorry said.

“Research and development is key to scientific discovery and we need to encourage our best and brightest science brains to work in this stimulating and exciting area. The fields of mental health and psychiatry, for example, are an amazing opportunity for talented minds and are in great need of such resources and commitment. It’s vital we continue offering the right training and support to our young scientists to further develop their skills, understanding and knowledge,” Professor McGorry added.

The International Science Olympiads have been running since 1987. This is the 23rd year in which Australian students will be competing. Last year the three teams brought home two gold, six silver and three bronze medals, and one honourable mention.

The Australian team members for the International Science Olympiads are:

Biology: Korea, 11-18 July 2010