After spending a day together, it was finally time for the official opening of the forum. We all got dressed up in our best clothes before piling onto the bus and heading for the Australian Academy of Science at the Australian National University.

During the official proceedings, the president of the National Science Academy welcomed us to Canberra. We were reminded of the vital role Rotary plays in the success of the National Youth Science Forum, while also acknowledging the forum’s industry and university partners.

Next, it was outside for a group photo with all 144 of us. We had our first chance to mingle with, and talk to some of the distinguished scientists from around Canberra. Of course, we biologists were excited to talk to Dr Lyn Hinds from the CSIRO, whom we eagerly quizzed about the ethics of genetic modification.

We snapped some final quick photos of Darwin outside the academy before being hurried back onto the bus. The forum had officially begun!

Gemma Irving