The ISS in detail

The Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) is the flagship of the Science Foundation for Physics, with a forty-five-year history and a reputation as the best program of its kind in the world.

THE ISS BY DAY: Lectures and Activities

By day, the ISS Scholars attend lectures by leading scientists from Australia and overseas, on topics ranging from alternative energy sources to exctinction ecology, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, from the sleuthing properties of nuclear physics to the mysterious dark matter and energy that coprises 90% of the Universe

"The first thing we were told on arrival is that it would be the best two weeks of our lives ... In my opinion, that is an understatement." ISS scholar, 2003

They take part in activities like the University of Newcastle's Science and Engineering Challenge, take guided tours of scientific laboratories and the University's museums and enjoy some Great Moments in Science with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, TV and radio science guru and the Foundation's Julius Sumner Miller Fellow.

THE ISS BY NIGHT: The ISS Social Scene

One of the most rewarding aspects of the two weeks at the ISS is the chance to mix with like-minded students from different backgrounds and cultures.

"There are no words within me that can possibly describe this unforgettable experience ... the places, the atmosphere and, most of all, the people ..." ISS scholar, 2003

The Scholars stay at The Women's College for the duration -- during that time many friendships are forged, some of which last a lifetime. Plenty of activities are organised to keep the ISS scholars busy, from trivia competitions and dance nights to an evening cruise of Sydney Harbour, which allows the Scholars to see this great city at its best. A formal dinner or reception gives scholars, staff and supporters of the ISS a chance to celebrate and meet each other.

OUTSTANDING SCHOLARS: The ISS Leadership Awards

In 2005, two prizes were created for ourstanding leadership qualities in our ISS Scholars. The Department of Education, Science and Technology inaugurated the Len Basser Prize for Scientific Leadership, awarded to the ISS Scholar who demonstrates leadership skills not only academically but also in by inspiring others to actively participate in the challenge of effectively learning science.

Mulpha Australia inaugurated the Mulpha Award for International Leadership, presented to the ISS Scholar who shows diplomacy and friendship and, in doing so, helps brings together the different countries and cultures that make up the Professor Harry Messel International Science School.

The winners are chosen by the ISS volunteer staff, who are all alumni of the International Science School.

ISS2005 prize winners Matthew Dunstan and Chang Lian with The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP, former Minister for Education, Science and Training.