Year 13’s Myscha Barry had the trip of a lifetime this month, travelling to England to take part in the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF).

She and 500 of the world’s leading young scientists aged 16-21 years from more than 70 countries converged in central London to gain a deeper insight into Science and its applications through lectures, workshops, and field trips.

Myscha and her peers stayed at the Imperial College London, had plenary lectures from Nobel prize Laureates, academic and industry pioneers, and trips to leading UK research centres, industrial sites, and Universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Myscha said the highlight of the trip was making friends from countries all over the world. There was also time to explore London, sightsee, and take in a show at the Royal Albert Hall.

She recommends the trip to all students, even those not interested in science. “It’s very interesting and a lot of fun.”

Myscha is studying Physics and Chemistry this year and in 2022 received a Scholarship in Biology. Her future plans are currently undecided but she is considering the idea of studying overseas. She was hoping LISYF would spark a specific area of career focus but if anything it has widened the options.

The LIYSF programme covered the latest science research, including, health, artificial intelligence, cyber security, sustainable food, energy, climate change, pandemics, nano-technology, engineering, and robotics. It is the longest-running STEM event of its kind. Ten students attended from NZ.

Learn more about LIYSF here: https://www.liysf.org.uk/