Join us!

Interested in joining the Young Tassie Scientists?

Join one of the country’s most exciting programs, Young Tassie Scientists! Flex your communication skills and be part of a diverse group of young researchers and early career scientists who travel the state educating young people and the community about the wonderful research happening in Tassie.

Since it began we have now trained up over 250 Young Tassie Scientists! Our participants have gone on to exciting things in research, education, science communication and beyond. An Information Session will be held in April/May 2020, where you can find out more and we can answer any questions you may have. Please note that due to the sheer number of applications, we can’t guarantee everyone a place in the team.

Applications to join the 2020 YTS team are closed.

Read on for more information, and please contact YTS program coordinator Dr Adele Wilson with any queries.

WHO CAN JOIN YOUNG TASSIE SCIENTISTS?
The YTS team is made up of early-career researchers (scientists, engineers, researchers) and University of Tasmania research students (PhD, Masters, Honours). If this sounds like you, please apply! Whilst there is no formal age limit for volunteers in this program, we do aim to bring young scientists back into the classrooms that they left only a few years previously. Most of our volunteers are under 30 years of age, but this is not a strict rule – please apply if you are interested! Under special circumstances we may also accept undergraduate students, we recommend considering the time commitment involved before applying.

WHAT DO THE YOUNG TASSIE SCIENTISTS DO?
As a Young Tassie Scientist you will be visiting primary and secondary schools during August to share what you love about your science work or research. We’ll help you prepare an interactive presentation (15-20 minutes) suitable for audiences of various ages.

You’ll also be attending various National Science Week events – the YTS are ambassadors for Science Week in Tasmania! There are formal events such as a reception at Government House, and we also run hands-on science stalls at Science Festivals state-wide.

Please note that due to the COVID-19 situation, the YTS program will likely be run differently in 2020, likely in an online capacity.

WHAT AM I SIGNING UP FOR?
A whole lot of fun! Being in the YTS you’ll be getting valuable experience in presenting to various audiences, growing your profile through media, and the YTS road trips are an experience you will never forget.

As a Young Tassie Scientist you are committing to:

  • Attending YTS workshops on profile-writing, science communication and developing your presentation (3-4 workshops, 90 min each, held in June/July)
  • Submit a short profile about yourself along with 3-4 photos suitable for use in promotional material
  • Practice your presentation in a school in mid-late July
  • Attending at least 4 days of school visits during August (approx 8am-3:30pm)
  • Attending at least 3 public National Science Week events as a YTS representative (usually 2-3 hrs maximum)