Canberra students strive for Olympic glory as elite science program battles for survival

Two Canberra students have aced a series of exams to gain entry into an elite science program that may not continue beyond 2024 due to financial constraints.

The Junior Science Olympiads (JSO) gives talented high school students across Australia a chance to develop their skills and compete on the world stage at an international Olympiad.

Lyneham High’s Andy Li and Merici College’s Leah Shoebridge are participating in a JSO spring school at the Australian National University (ANU) this week.

Andy, 15, explained the rigorous process he went through to make the program.

“At first, I did a JSO test. I was able to make the top 60 to get selected to the next stage,” he said.

“I then learnt content over four weeks before we did another test. I was able to get in the top 24, so made it to the spring school.

“I now have a chance to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads, though that will be very difficult.”

Launched in 2020, the JSO is run by the not-for-profit Australian Science Innovations (ASI).

ASI supports budding scientists with extra-curricular education and mentorship, including those from remote and regional areas.

It has self-funded the Junior Science Olympiads program to date, relying on volunteers to make up the financial shortfall. But a shortage of funds means ASI must source at least $350,000 a year to continue the program beyond 2024.

“As one of the only initiatives of its kind, the Junior Science Olympiads gives Australia a significant advantage in nurturing the skills and talent that will drive the nation’s future,” ASI executive director Vanessa Kates said.

“Not every smart youngster comes from a big city and the JSO is taking the pressure off schools and teachers to reach really capable kids from all over the country who may go on and do incredible things for their communities and for Australia.”

Ms Kates said an increase in program registrations of more than 26 per cent between 2023 and 2024 clearly showed young Australians wanted to take part in the JSO.

“What we’re hearing from our international counterparts is that the JSO is the gold standard for supporting young scientists. There’s nothing else like it and it’s critically important we keep it going,” she said.

“This is the perfect opportunity for a forward-thinking Australian business to get on board. They’ll not only provide real opportunities for some of our brightest young people, they’ll secure a pipeline of talent to help them solve the big problems of the future – from climate change and the energy crisis to food security or space exploration.”

Andy said losing the valuable JSO program would be “a huge loss”.

“It’s challenging but also very rewarding. There’s a lot of things we do that you couldn’t do otherwise, using all the great equipment at the university.

“But the best thing is meeting 24 kids from all around Australia that you wouldn’t otherwise meet. They’ve all got similar interests and you learn a lot.”

See more information about the JSO on the Australian Science Innovations website.