Imperial welcomes back major international science event

Hundreds of young scientists from across the globe have gathered at Imperial for the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF).

The two-week residential event, taking place over 23 July-6 August, brings together promising young scientists aged 17-21 to develop a deeper insight into science and the benefits that it can bring to society.

This year’s forum, entitled Eureka! – Breakthrough and Development in Science, invited participants to explore innovation in science and the way that scientists develop novel solutions to important challenges. Participants attended lectures and demonstrations from leading researchers and, as well as visiting several Imperial departments, took part in trips to research and scientific establishments across the UK. Visits included the National Physical Laboratory, Airbus UK, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Natural History Museum.

More than 400 participants were involved in this year’s forum, the 56th since it was founded, coming from  64 countries worldwide. Many attendees were winners of international science competitions or received scholarships from educational bodies, schools and colleges or funding from charitable foundations to represent their country at this international meeting.

Inspiring lectures

LIYSF attendee and regular participant in Imperial Outreach activities Thinesh Pathmaraja (pictured), who is currently studying for his A-Levels at the Latymer School in North London said: “LIYSF has been so amazing that I cannot describe it in a single word. The LIYSF lectures are incredibly inspiring and I have met so many new people from around the world. I am interested in pursuing a career in Medicine and the experience of being at Imperial has inspired me to apply to study at the College.”

Professor Murray Shanahan, from the Department of Computing, was one of a number of Imperial researchers presenting their research to this year’s LIYSF cohort. His lecture, entitled Building Brains using Computers, described the way that computer models can be used to understand the brain and the future application of this kind of research in medicine and artificial intelligence.

Professor Shanahan said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to such a large group of enthusiastic young people, all of whom share my love of science and technology. I feel we researchers have a duty of public engagement, and it always gives me pleasure to fulfil this duty. But it was especially satisfying to be able to share some of my experience and expertise with people who will shape our future. Artificial intelligence is likely to be an important part of that future, and I hope I succeeded in encouraging them to think about the issues surrounding this topic.”

The London International Youth Science Forum was founded in 1959 in the aftermath of the Second World War. Its founding aim was to overcome the animosity resulting from the conflict by developing a greater understanding between young people of all nations through science.

Richard Myhill, LIYSF Director, said: “LIYSF was founded over 50 years ago on the idea that ‘out of like interests, the strongest friendships grow’. We have held fast to that belief since then, as the programme has grown to welcome over 400 award-winning science students from more than 60 countries across the world.

“We are delighted to be returning to Imperial – one of the world’s leading universities - for the sixth consecutive year. As an institution which is constantly expanding the frontiers of knowledge in science, Imperial is a fitting environment in which to inspire our latest cohort of young scientists to broaden their scientific understanding and foster friendships that traverse cultural borders.”

Further information on LIYSF