Inspiring talks from world-renowned scientists. Tours of cutting-edge research facilities. Mind-expanding hands-on workshops and activities.
The best thing was collaborating with other people my age who love science as much as I do, in an environment that encourages critical thinking and looking deeper into things.
From 2-10 July this year, 150 top year 11-12 science students from across Australia and around the world will gather online for the Prof Harry Messel International Science School.
This isn’t just some online talk-fest. Every day the ISS scholars are inspired by leading researchers across many fields of STEM — and then get to know each other and our fabulous staff through the ISS Discord server, with conversations, competitions, challenges and more. They get to ask questions of our guest speakers, all the while discussing their research in the chat.
After the lectures, they break out into teams to do experiments, work through issues, and solve problems. They go on virtual lab tours through some of the University’s amazing research facilities, and take part in thought-provoking seminars and workshops. At the end of the day, the ISS goes social, and the scholars compete in trivia contests, games tournaments and meme challenges, or just nerd out over shared interests.
Best of all, ISS Online 2022 is entirely free, funded by the Physics Foundation at the University of Sydney through support from the NSW DET, the Australian Federal Government, Mulpha Australia, and many generous private and industry donors.
Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity! The ISS is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life and is a key milestone in my studies and career.
The ISS Online program is fully web-based, so you will need:
We want everyone who earns a place at ISS Online 2022 to take part so if you encounter difficulties with any of the computing and IT requirements, please let us know and also discuss with both your school and others in your local community.
By working together, we can try to find a solution.
AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS: Applications for Australian students are now closed.
NEW ZEALAND STUDENTS: Applications for ISS Online are now open to students in New Zealand — DEADLINE 31 MAY.
Up to ten (10) students from across New Zealand will be selected to take part in ISS Online 2022. For more information about applying, please download the Application Info. (PDF, 320KB)
Please submit your application through the online application form by 31 MAY.
Up to 120 students from across Australia, and up to 10 students from New Zealand, will be invited to take part in ISS Online 2022.
We have selection panels in each state and territory to assist in the selection of students, based on the following criteria:
Our selection panels will make selections based on the above criteria, as well as aiming for a balance of participants based on gender, location, school system and relative opportunity.
All selections are final and at the discretion of the University of Sydney and organisers of the ISS Online program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are under-represented in science and engineering in Australia which is why the ISS aims to bring talented, enthusiastic Indigenous Australian students together with like-minded scholars from across Australia and around the globe.
The ISS Indigenous Australian Scholars Program reserves five scholarships to attend ISS Online for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Applicants are selected against the same criteria of interest in science and academic achievement, and their applications are included in the general selection process.
If unsuccessful in that round, they may be eligible for one of the five reserved Indigenous Scholar places.
If you wish to apply for one of these scholarships, you will need to upload some evidence of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background when you apply.
This can be any one of the following:
More details of the Indigenous Scholars Program will be available when the applications open in January.
ISS Online will run from 2-10 July 2022. Details for the ISS Online program are still being developed, but it will include: