Science whiz’s Taiwan trip to represent Australia

WHILE Nathan Isaacson’s classmates were using this week of school holidays to recharge for term three or study for their HSC, he was busy representing Australia at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Taiwan.

The year 12 North Sydney Boys High School student was one of four Australians selected for the competition, which has been held each year since 1990 and consists of a theoretical and practical examination.

Nathan – who enjoys soccer, sailing and reading in his spare time – said he was looking forward to the competition and to meeting new people from around the world.

He said he has always had a passion for discovering how animals and machines work.

“I’ve always been captivated by solving problems, which led me towards science and engineering,” he said. “In the future I hope to study biomedical engineering.”

Mum Desiree Isaacson said she was thrilled her son, who also gives his time to tutor the next generation of Olympiad students every Friday, had been chosen to travel to Taipei for the event.

“We’re really proud of Nathan, that he’s been so focused on achieving this. It’s a milestone,” she said. “He’s given up part of his school holidays in December, April and July to pursue his goal.”

Training and selection for the Science Olympiad programs in biology, chemistry and physics is run by not-for-profit organisation Australian Science Innovations (ASI).

ASI executive director Lillian Lesueur said the International Science Olympiads were a fantastic way for students to strengthen and hone their skills. “The competitions will expose them to exciting new developments in the science arena and allow them to build networks that will be invaluable in their future careers as scientific leaders,” she said.

Nathan and his team members were presented with their Australian team blazers by the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, at a special ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on June 2.

GARETH NARUNSKY

Nathan Isaacson (right) is presented with his blazer by Minister for School Education Peter Garett.