ISSF theme: sustainable futures
The 2023 Global Sustainability Development Report highlights the urgent need for accelerated action to occur in actioning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as we head towards the 2030 target. The report recognises the powerful role science plays in supporting the development of practical solutions. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Sustainable Development, 2023).
This fair seeks to focus our collective attention on the key sustainability issues highlighted by the SDG, with a particular focus on Goals 7, 11, 12, 13 14 and 15. To this end, we ask schools to align their student research presentations to one or more of these goals, under our overarching theme of Sustainable Futures.
Our focus Sustainable Development Goals include:
ISSF 2023
ISSF 2023 is a Net Zero event!
QASMT students are working on the calculation and analysis of the carbon emissions associated with key aspects of the fair, across the areas of local transportation, venue usage, excursions, catering and accommodation. As a result, our students will gain a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of their activities and the importance of adopting sustainable practices. These actions are being undertaken with the assistance of the Zero Positive for Schools program.
The focus on Net Zero aligns with the fair goal of promoting sustainability and creating a generation of environmentally conscious global citizens. This approach not only educates our students about carbon emissions but also fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages them to become advocates for change; both during the science fair and in their daily lives. By raising awareness and instilling a mindful approach to the Net Zero journey, the International Students Science Fair aims to create a positive and lasting impact on students and the wider scientific community.
Accommodation
Conduct a comprehensive analysis of carbon emissions associated with St. Leo’s accommodation needs, as well as any additional accommodation requirements.
Excursions
Undertake an emissions assessment for excursions beyond designated fair venues and encourage sustainable planning (e.g., minimizing distances, low-emission transportation)
Transport
Calculate local transportation emissions, from participants’ arrival at Brisbane Airport to their departure and all transportation between accommodation, venues and excursions.
Venue
Evaluate the carbon footprint of the QASMT and UQ venues, taking into account factors such as energy usage, waste management practices, and overall sustainability measures.
Catering
Evaluate catering’s carbon emissions in food production, transportation, and waste. Prioritize sustainable sourcing, minimize food waste, and eco-friendly packaging.
Participating schools
Australian Science and Mathematics School
Australia
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Australia
Budi Mulia Dua International High School
Indonesia
Brookhouse School
Kenya
Korea Science Academy of KAIST
Republic of Korea
School of Science and Technology
Singapore
Galaxy International School Uganda
Uganda
West Aurora High School
USA
Brisbane Boys College
Australia
New Generation School Preah Siswath High School
Cambodia
Ritsumeikan High School
Japan
New Beginning International School of Mongolia
Mongolia
Moscow South-Eastern School named after V.I. Chuikov
Russia
Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School
Thailand
Camborne Science & International Academy
UK
Darwin High School
Australia
Fort Richmond Collegiate
Canada
Tokyo Tech High School of Science and Technology
Japan
St-Odulphuslyceum
Netherlands
National Junior College
Singapore
Kamnoetvidya Science Academy
Thailand
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
USA
John Monash Science School
Australia
Experimental School of Beihang University
China
Budhanilkantha School
Nepal
Philippine Science High School Main Campus
Philippines
NUS High School of Mathematics and Science
Singapore
Mahidol Wittayanusorn School
Thailand
Lewiston-Porter
USA
Guest speakers
Dr. Catherine Ball
Associate Professor, Dr Catherine Ball is a scientific futurist, speaker, advisor, author, founder, executive producer, executive director and company director working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs. Catherine also likes to create businesses and champion movements, collaborate with peers, and advise game-changers.
Dr. Brad Tucker
Astrophysicist/Cosmologist, Dr Brad Tucker is a Research Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mt. Stromlo Observatory at the Australian National University, and in the Department of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley. He is currently working on projects trying to discover the true nature of Dark Energy, the mysterious substance causing the accelerating expansion of the Universe, which makes up 70% of the Universe.
Dr. Gurion Ang
Director, Bachelor of Science, Dr. Gurion Ang is a teaching-focussed academic specialising in ecology and zoology. He completed his PhD in 2017 on insect-plant interactions and still dabbles in behavioural ecology research: understanding the intricate relationships between plants and their insect partners enable us to learn more about the ecosystem services they provide. He is an outstanding practitioner who seeks to characterise and develop best practice in teaching in secondary and university biology classrooms.
Dr. Benjamin Pope
Ben researches extrasolar planets – planets around other stars – and focuses on developing and applying new data science approaches for detecting and characterizing them. He has taken nearly every approach to exoplanet and stellar observation, including transits, radial velocities, direct imaging, and asteroseismology. He is an ARC DECRA Fellow, working on a survey of naked-eye stars in Kepler, K2, and TESS, to search for transiting planets. He is interested in exoplanet direct imaging, as a co-investigator on three accepted James Webb Space Telescope projects to study brown dwarfs, planets, and asteroids with new data analysis techniques.
Welcome to Brisbane, Australia
Tourism Information
Planning on staying in Australia beyond ISSF 2023? If yes, visit the sites below to find out what to do locally in Brisbane; or organise a trip to the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland; or a visit to the other states and territories in Australia. Australia is big country with lots to explore!
Brisbane: https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/
Queensland: https://www.queensland.com/au/en/home
Australia: https://www.australia.com/en
Translink is the public transit agency for Queensland. They work with bus, train and ferry services to coordinate travel. Translink airtrain operates an integrating system across Queensland and the go card system to allow the use of one ticket on multiple services in South East Queensland.
Our campus
The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics & Technology is a state school for highly-capable students in Years 7 to 12.
The campus is located in the inner city suburb of leafy Toowong, in Brisbane, Australia.
Our venues
Need help?
Get in touch
78 Bywong Street, Toowong,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4066
+61 07 3377 9333