Ready or not, here [another YSA social] comes! Woop woop! Time to get competitive guys. This Friday the 11th of April, we will be running a game of hide and seek throughout the Melbourne CBD. WHO? Anyone! Invite your most competitive friends ;) WHAT? A game of hide and seek throughout the Melbourne CBD and immediate surrounds. Players will get into 2 groups. One group will be the seekers, and the other the hiders. The hiders will have an agreed upon amount of time to hide. The seekers will then ask the hiders question to locate them in the shortest amount of time possible. There will be multiple rounds, so try out different locations! We will explain the bounds of the game and the rules on the day. WHEN? 10am-2pm Friday 11th April 2025 WHERE? We'll meet next to the big screen at Federation Square. We will have a brief chat to explain the rules and how the game works. From there on, it's up to you and your group as to where you hide! WHY? Because hide and seek shouldn't just be for primary school kids. NOTE: please bring a topped up MYKI card, a downloaded Google Earth app and water bottle.

Hi y'all! It's time for another social, this time just a simple and chill one. We're heading out to the botanical gardens to take a walk, see some fancy plants with long Latin names, and meet some fellow science enthusiasts! WHO? Anyone! In particular, anyone who'd like a break, a chance to stretch their legs. WHAT? A walk in the botanical gardens and surrounds. WHEN? 1 pm Saturday the 22nd. WHERE? We'll meet under the clock at Flinders St station at 1 pm, and head off at about 1:15 by tram to the gardens. WHY? To touch grass after a long few weeks back at school!

It's time for another YSA get-together! This time, we're planning a big BBQ bash at Flagstaff Gardens! Take advantage of the sunny weather and bring along friends, games, snacks, whatever you'd like! We'll have plenty of food, as well as dietary options for those needing them. WHO: Anyone! Bring your friends! WHAT: BBQ, games, and a chill outing at the park! WHEN & WHERE: We'll be meeting at Flagstaff station at 11:30 am. Look out for people in YSA shirts! WHY: For fun!

It's time for another YSA get-together! This time, we're off to play some board games at the lovely Pause Menu in Fitzroy. Starting at Flinders St station, we'll hop on a tram for hours of snacks, drinks, and board games, before wrapping up and heading back around 3:30! WHO: Anyone! Bring your friends! WHAT: Playing board games, having some food, and generally chilling at the cafe! WHEN & WHERE: We'll be meeting at Flinders St station at 12:00 pm, under the clocks! Look out for our YSA hoodies. WHY: For fun!

With MYSci behind us, it's time to go to a galaxy far, far away! On the one and only Star Wars Day, YSA is going to be taking a trip to the city for one of our famous socials; a scavenger hunt! Starting from the steps of the State Library, we'll be splitting into groups to tackle a wookie-sized series of challenges; answering riddles, solving puzzles, finding some unusual objects or places, and seeing a lot of sights! We'll be meeting out front of the State Library at 10:45 am; look out for one of our lovely committee wearing their YSA shirts! From there, we'll be splitting you into factions and sending you on your way to scour the galaxy for clues and data. At 2:30 pm, we'll reconvene at the State Library for scoring. WHO? You, your friends; even your enemies, if they'll behave themselves! This one's open to all young folk. WHAT? A space-operatic scavenger hunt, around the CBD! WHEN? 10:45 am to 3 pm, Saturday May the 4th. WHERE? Meeting at the steps of the State Library! WHY? Why not??? Be there, don't be square, and don't be afraid to dress for the occasion! There might be points in it for the best star wars getup...

Our AGM is coming up on Thursday the 21st of March at 4:00 pm online. This is your chance to get involved with a community that you've grown to love, or just a way to see what goes on behind the scenes if you're new to YSA!! We will also be electing our new committee for the next year - this is open to old members, new members, and even returning members. Roles range from the scary, scary President position (they call the shots within YSA and are a key part of setting up our goals and future ideas) , to a much more low-key general elected member (GEM) whose role it is to provide input and help out when they can (it's a great way to dip your toes into our committee and learn how all the different areas work!). Anyone is allowed to run for a committee position as long as they have been a member for at least 7 days before the date of the AGM AND have a CURRENT membership on the day - however, if you're interested in an office position (President, VP - Science, VP - Socials, Communications, Secretary, Treasurer), you will also need to be over the age of 18 and have served on the committee for at least 9 months prior.  (Photo by Lucas K on Unsplash)  

Hey folks, Do you have upcoming exams and assignments or do you just need a hand with a subject? Come down to our study day and get some of that work done! YSA will be hosting a self-paced study day at the State Library on the 8th of September for our members to help them get through those last weeks of VCE. A few of our senior members have volunteered to help out with any questions or problems people might have. This is an excellent opportunity to network and get to know some of our committee members and other YSAer's who study similar subjects to you! Make sure you RSVP so we know you're coming, can't wait to see you there! Update: The YSA Study Day has been postponed to the 15th of October. (Photo from Visit Melbourne)

Are you a new Young Scientists of Australia member looking to go to your first social, or maybe you're a YSA veteran? All are invited to join YSA and other like-minded young people for a day of board games and puzzles.  Plus, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks while you play!   Who? YSA members and anyone who likes boardgames! What? Playing some board games and puzzles at the Pause Menu Cafe! When? This Saturday at 11:00am til 2:00pm. Where? Pause Menu Cafe in Fitzroy! 74 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 We are planning to meet outside Melbourne Museum at 11am. However, if you prefer to join us at Pause Menu Cafe at 12pm, you're more than welcome to do so! Cost? Kindly note that the venue has a minimum spending policy of $5 per person. Therefore, we ask you to please bring some money for lunch!

It's time to get your game face on, because YSA is going bowling! On the 7th of May, we'll be heading down to Strike in Melbourne Central to take part in a bowling extravaganza. Anyone from 15-25 who's interested in science is welcome! Whether you're a big bowling fan, or you'd rather just sit back and chat, we've got you covered too. We'll be having lunch (not covered) in Melbourne Central from 12-1, and then bowling from 1-3. If you don't want to go bowling then feel free to sit back and relax with anyone else who isn't feeling it, and you won't have to pay. Note: We currently have 20 places booked, but if we get a lot of interest early we can organise more. That means you'll want to get your ticket in sooner rather than later, before they have no more spots available! SCHEDULE 12:00 pm: Meet under the large clock at Melbourne Central 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch in the Melbourne Central food court 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Bowling! 3:00 pm – Social wraps up WHO? You!! WHAT? Lunch, followed by 2 games of bowling WHEN? Sunday the 7th of May! WHERE? Meeting at Melbourne Central, under the clock WHY? Why NOT? Bring your friends, bring your enemies; but most of all, bring your bowling skills!

Applications are now open for MYSci 2023! We'll be closing applications on April 1st at midnight. If you'd like to apply, please get your application in before then! MYSci, the collaboration between Monash and YSA Melbourne, is back again! This time we're running it during the break between terms 1 and 2, from the 12-14th of April. Event Details! This is a residential program for staff running from the 10th-15th of April 2023. We will be staying in a scout hall for the duration, and traveling to and from Monash each day. If you are unable to stay for the entire duration that's fine; we can arrange something! The actual program is during the day from the 12th-14th of April Held at Monash University Clayton  Day program (students travel home each night) Staffies (that's you guys, the volunteers!) must be 18 or over The only cost to participate will be purchasing a YSA membership for 15 dollars. However, you do get a free YSA shirt!   The program will include: hands-on workshops access to university teaching facilities opportunity to meet some research scientists exposure to potential career pathways activities run by the Young Scientists of Australia (YSA) social activities   How can I help? For most people, you'll probably be looking for the position of Staffie, which are the general volunteers. However, we also have a leadership team, made up of the Kahuna (the main organiser) and the Gophers, who are their helpers! In order to be able to be a Kahuna (coordinator), or Gopher (assistant coordinator), it is highly preferred that you are able to attend the entire given program, including training sessions to be held before the program. Staffie role Staffies are YSA volunteers who help to make program the super fun experience it is for students, while keeping everybody safe and excited. You’ll have a partner (or two) and will receive training. As a staffie, it’ll be your job to: • Run games and lead conversations with students • Lead students around campus, take them to workshops and lectures, while ensure that they are getting involved the best they can • Work in a team with your staffie partner, other staffies, and the leadership team to make sure the program runs smoothly • Keep track of students to make sure nobody gets lost or gets involved in anything unsafe • Be a representative of science and encouraging students to chat, make friends, and experience science for themselves. • For Monash MYSci, we're asking for staffies to be over 18 to apply, as the students will be a slightly older age group. If you are personally unable to staff any of these programs, please encourage your friends to enrol and apply instead!    The Kahuna role liaising with our partner organisations and the YSA committee (including attending meetings) planning logistics, including organising, transport, etc planning YSA's involvement, including activities, training, staff selection, etc coordinating and running the program on the ground Candidates should be familiar with YSA's programs and activities, and must be over 18 at the time of the program. Typically, a Kahuna should have staffed several outreach programs and already have experience in organising YSA events in some capacity (eg: Gopher of a previous TSE, outreach or Mysci program). There will be one Kahuna needed. The Gopher role assisting in coordination, planning and running of the program supporting the Kahuna during the program taking care of students and staffies (volunteers) during on the program liaising between Staffies and the Kahuna We are looking for three Gophers for MySci! There are no requirements for this position. Previous outreach experience as a Staffie is preferred, but not compulsory.  Sounds cool, but how do I apply? If you'd like to apply, click this link!

Applications are now open for YSA's 2023 Executive Committee! Our AGM is coming up on Sunday the 26th of March at 11:00 am, in Melbourne Central. This is your chance to get involved with a community that you've grown to love, or just a way to see what goes on behind the scenes if you're new to YSA!! We will also be electing our new committee for the next year - this is open to old members, new members, and even returning members. Roles range from the scary, scary President position (they call the shots within YSA and are a key part of setting up our goals and future ideas) , to a much more low-key general elected member (GEM) whose role it is to provide input and help out when they can (it's a great way to dip your toes into our committee and learn how all the different areas work!). Anyone is allowed to run for a committee position as long as they have been a member for at least 7 days before the date of the AGM AND have a CURRENT membership on the day - however, if you're interested in an office position (President, VP - Science, VP - Socials, Communications, Secretary, Treasurer), you will also need to be over the age of 18 and have served on the committee for at least 9 months prior.    Use this link to become a member: https://ysa-melbourne.tidyhq.com/member/memberships Applications for committee positions CLOSE ON the 19th of March so make sure to get yours in quickly! If you would like to know more about being on the committee, just ask anyone who's currently on committee or email exec@melbourne.ysa.org.au and they'll be more than happy to answer any questions! For more information on how to nominate, how to get involved if you can't make it on the 26th, or how to get in touch with the secretary if you're at all confused, please click on the button below!! If you have more questions: https://ysa-melbourne.tidyhq.com/public/pages/agm-information When is this happening? Sunday the 26th of March, 11 till 3! Where is this happening? Melbourne Central. What do I bring?  Yourself, your friends, and your democratic spirit! You WILL NEED to let us know if you're coming by March 19th (this is also when our committee position applications will close).  This is so we can be sure we will meet quorum requirements for our AGM. If for any reason you can't make it to AGM in person but still wish to be involved by calling in please email exec@melbourne.ysa.org.au so that we can organise this.  Header designed by pikisuperstar / Freepik

Wondering what it's like to make your way in science? Wondering what to make of all the different courses on offer, or what it's like to do research? Then come along to our September social! We'll be having some YSA members and Alumni talking about their experiences in science, across several different fields; immunology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. They'll be talking about their undergrad experiences, what subjects worked for them and why, and getting into honours and postgraduate studies and research. WHO: Anyone who's interested in science pathways! WHEN: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday the 26th of September (during the holidays and uni break!) WHERE: G01, Learning and Teaching Building (LTB) Monash University, Clayton Campus. WHY: So you can learn from others, who've been there before you and made the mistakes so you don't have to! For YSA members, this event will be free! For non-members it will cost 5 dollars, to cover the cost of provided snacks.