Over 200 Entries: NATA Young Scientist of the Year Award

Over 200 entries from over 50 schools across Australia have been submitted by primary school students as part of the NATA Young Scientist of the Year Competition 2020. 
This year’s challenge saw students develop projects that answer the question of why food testing is important and how it protects the safety of Australians. 
NATA CEO, Jennifer Evans, is thrilled by this years’ response and the positive implications of primary-aged students engaging in science. 
“Children are born curious, and we want to encourage that curiosity as much as possible by providing opportunities like this for them to showcase their thoughts,” said Jennifer. 
“This is a fantastic result for the future of science in Australia and is one step to creating a more scientifically literate Australia. 
“The next great scientific breakthrough may belong to one of these kids in the future. It’s our mission at NATA to help them realise their potential.” 
Running since 2007, the Young Scientist of the Year Competition seeks to foster an interest in science among primary school children aged between 7-12, by encouraging them to think about how science impacts everyday life. 
Key learning objectives of the competition are to promote the benefits and value of science, encourage students to apply their creativity to scientific solutions and to demonstrate the importance of good presentation skills. 
A prize of $2500 is set to go to the winners’ school in each age group, in addition to cash prizes for the top 3 students in each age group plus book-vouchers for seven students in each age group. 
Submissions will be judged by a panel made up of NATA scientists, with winners set to be announced on 4 November 2020.