20 years of YTS
2022 marks 20 years of the Young Tassie Scientists program!
For the past two decades this majority volunteer-delivered program has run alongside National Science Week to assist in raising science aspirations for school aged children across Tasmania. You may not know, but 50% of Tasmanians are functionally-illiterate. Meaning that a visit from the YTS, with spoken and hands on activities are essential learning opportunities. You will also see in the YTS Bio pages how many of our volunteers struggled with school, themselves.
The impact that this program has had on the lives of not only the students reached, but the volunteer scientists and school teachers involved, cannot be under stated. YTS has now captured two generations of scientists, as in 2023 we are joined by a young scientist who’s mother was also in YTS.
We want to celebrate this perspective changing program and in doing so showcase its essential role in inspiring a future generation of Tasmanian scientists.
Take a look back along our timeline, of all the people and places, in the photo carousel below.
2005
The oldest poster in our archive. 3 years of YTS
2010
Science gave me the chance to work in the most amazing places – Ben Arthur
2011
9 years of YTS
2011
Rebecca, Lauren & Cayne, keeping up YTS traditions
2012
The more you know, the more you realise you have to learn – Arabella Young
2012
Adele & Sarah at the Dunalley Science Fair
2013
I love meteorology because it explains the world around me – Michael Laczko
2014
I study volcanic eruptions that happen on the sea floor – Rebecca Carey
2015
Neuroscience is a puzzle; I love it – Rosemarie Guevarra
2015
Glen Huon Primary School
2016
Explosions! Radioactive decay & laser beams are all usual for Geologists -Nathan Chapman
2016
Nathan Chapman & Zach Brown live on ABC Radio
2017
Since I learned fire is a chemical reaction, I’ve been hooked on Chemistry -Jeremy Just
2017
Tristan talks volcanoes at Wilmot Primary School
2018
The average earthling is an insect, mostly beetles – my favourite – Shasta Henry
2018
Shasta, Nicole and Zach. YTS in front of Mount Strzelecki, Flinders Island
2019
My kind of science involves boots, binoculars & wilderness – Matt Fielding
2019
Hannah, Ash & Natalia at the Festival of Bright Ideas
2020
Air, cheese & compost all contain microorganisms that I love to study – Dipon Sarkar
2020
The year of COVID & quarantine so YTS went digital, but thankfully, not viral!
2021
I use mud from the Southern Ocean as a time machine! – Layla Creach
2021
YTS Niam, Maddie & Anuk return to FoBI after a year of quarantine
2022
The periodic table is a Chemist’s lego set so I can build molecules – Angus…
2022
Serah talking about the heart at Molesworth Primary School
1
In 2021 the Young Tassie Scientists spoke with over 10,000 students in 101 Tasmanian schools. With 38 volunteers in the 2021 Young Tassie Scientists team.
2
Self-developed interactive presentations delivered up to ten times a day to thousands of Tassie students.
3
100% of teachers said this increased their students’ interest in science. 98% said they would have the Young Tassie Scientists visit again next year.
YTS Dinner
Since 2003, more than 300 young researchers have volunteered time, energy and enthusiasm to be part of the Young Tassie Scientist program.
Members from our whole 20 year history reconvened for a celebration dinner in September 2022. Alumni include science teachers, University lecturers and department heads, members of the Superstars of Stem, Questacon science circus, TedX speakers, an engagement programs coordinator for CSIRO, and two consecutive Chairs of the Tasmanian National Science Week committee.
We had a good time catching up, reminiscing and handing out awards, such as the two long service awards. Adele Wilson and Shasta Henry have each been members of the YTS program for eight years.
Current YTS alumni looking over previous National Science Week posters
MC’s Dipon Sarkar and Ash Russell Dr Jeremy Just and Dr Adele Wilson
YTS Forum
We also held an all-day networking and workshop event for YTS past and present, and HDR candidates interested in Science Communication.
How did participating in YTS help or could help you on your career journey?
We heard from past YTS guest speakers in a panel discussion exploring their most useful YTS experiences and their current science and communication careers. We also enjoyed some practical workshops facilitated by Will Grant, Associate Professor in Science Communication at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU. Where attendees got to focus on expanding their sci comm and presentation skills.
YTS Alumni Profiles
For the past two decades this majority volunteer-delivered program has run alongside National Science Week to assist in raising science aspirations for school aged children across Tasmania.
Check out our illustrious Alumni to see what ex-YTS scientists are up to now.
If you are a previous Young Tassie Scientist contributor, help us to continue to share the importance of science communication by updating or adding a profile to our website.
Please email us at [email protected] for further information.