Afternoon Tea in Support of the National Youth Science Forum

National Youth Science Forum CEO, Dr Melanie Bagg and representatives; distinguished guests; ladies, gentlemen and students, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this afternoon.

I am delighted to welcome you to Government House and to host this afternoon tea in support of the National Youth Science Forum. Science is certainly a subject close to my heart and I’m sure it also holds special value to those in our audience today.

As Governor, nothing brings me greater joy than to see and hear of young Queenslanders looking to the future through the lens of the sciences. A passion for science, technology, engineering and maths can very clearly translate into a career that reaps great rewards.

With its purpose ‘to inspire young Australians to value STEM and its importance in our communities’, the uptake for this program since its inception in 1984, has been overwhelming.

We are aware that the great percentage of jobs today require STEM skills, and this demand will only continue to strengthen, so the benefits of STEM literacy among young people in our society are obvious.

Investigating a career in which you can live out your passion is certainly a valuable element of the National Youth Science Forum experience. So too are the connections that may deliver you down one of those pathways. But equally important are the gains for society – the outcomes of your interest, your study and your investment in the diverse futures that now punctuate the STEM landscape.

One of the most recent and global applications of STEM knowledge, came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through research, design, development, manufacture, and integration systems, a solution was delivered to the people of the world.

Whilst the National Youth Science Forum is by no means a small endeavour, what it does produce is a much larger reach to effect beneficial outcomes locally, nationally, and internationally.

It is important to acknowledge all those who partner with and support the program – educationally, financially and strategically, and in the student selection process.

Your investment in our young Forum participants is invaluable.

Thank you.