Reception for 2026 National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program Participants in Queensland

National Youth Science Forum CEO Dr Melanie Bagg and representatives; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

It gives me great pleasure to host this Reception at Government House not only as the Governor of Queensland but as a doctor and a proponent of young people looking to explore STEM fields for their future careers. I warmly welcome you all and I am sure we will have lots to talk about during our time together.

Places in the National Youth Science Forum are highly sought after, so I congratulate you on being selected into this transformative program, where you will no doubt meet some incredible practitioners in your areas of interest and hopefully have a chance to explore less familiar domains.

One of the fabulous aspects of the Forum is the wide spectrum of science and technology facilities and industries represented, which will help you in your consideration of a career pathway.

Australia, like all nations in our fast-changing world, requires people who can think their way out of the problems that challenge us—whether by developing innovations that shape a better future or by finding solutions that strengthen communities today. There currently exists a STEM skills shortage throughout Australia, so the support for young Australians to take the lead in these fields is hugely important for the future wellbeing and prosperity of our country.

The Forum brings you together as young leaders in science, inspiring you to explore pathways that will serve both your aspirations and the nation’s future. In many ways, it is also about finding your community—those with whom you will share your journey and achievements.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the Forum’s many sponsors and partners. I particularly acknowledge founding partner Rotary, together with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources; the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer; the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology; the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre; and the many generous private donors.

The Forum will spark your curiosity and challenge your thinking, as well as shape your outlook on future directions. Enjoy it, learn from it and make very good use of it!

Thank you.