Exceptional Blacktown students receive STEM award

The 2022 recipients of the Victor Chang School Science Award from the Blacktown region.

Almost 40 Year 11 students from the Blacktown 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 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,", said Professor Jason Kovacic, Executive Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Dr Osvaldo Contreas from the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute with local student Elsa Hunter.

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 39 students from the following schools were recognised for their achievements: St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, Wyndham College, Mitchell High School, Richard Johnson Anglican School, St Andrews Catholic College Marayong, The Hills Sports High School, Tyndale Christian School, St John Paul II Catholic College Schofields & Nirimba, Evans High School, Nagle Catholic College Blacktown, Toongabbie Christian College, Chifley College Senior Campus, East Hills Boys high, The Ponds High School, and Blacktown Girls High School.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, with the support of Blacktown 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," Professor Kovacic said.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the Victor Chang school Science Awards presented fantastic opportunities for local students to foster an interest in science.

"I am very proud of all the students from schools in our City who work hard in science, and are setting the foundations to be part of the next generation of Australian researchers," Mayor Bleasdale said.

Receiving this science award comes with a great opportunity to learn first-hand about the Institute's activities and a career in science. These awards come with a great heritage, and I congratulate these talented students on continuing the memory of one of Australia's greatest minds.

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.