Thirty-seven Year 11 students from schools across the Illawarra, South East, and South Coast were awarded for the science achievements last week.
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The Victor Chang School Science Award gives recognition to outstanding students in the field of science and aims to foster and encourage an interest and career in science.
Four students in the Shellharbour region received awards on the day; Ashley Hunt from Albion Park High School, Jayde Bagnall from Lake Illawarra High School, Sean O’Keefe from Oak Flats High School and Danielle Thompson from Warilla High School.
The winning students were invited to tour the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and learn from world class researchers.
Professor Jamie Vandenberg of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute said every student that received the accolade had shown a dedication to science and a passion for discovery.
“They all have the potential to go on to become Australia’s next science hero, just like Victor Chang,” Prof Vandenberg said.
A report from the Department of Education showed a significant decrease in year 11 and 12 students enrolled in science subjects from 20 years ago from 94 per cent to 51 per cent in 2010.
“These awards are a timely reminder that science is vitally important to our nation, in terms of both health and economic prosperity,” said Professor Vandenberg said.