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2025 ASO Summer School – Best Day of My Life!

  • 2025 ASO Summer School – Best Day of My Life! image
The 2025 ASO Summer School was packed full of amazing experiences, best demonstrated in these short videos produced by our ANU Interns.

Watch the 2025 ASO Summer School short video series here

96 students travel from across Australia to join us at The Australian National University in Canberra for two weeks of intense science education, plus all the fun of camp! They undertake tutorials, lectures, lab time and field trips. The students experience world class university facilities, campus life, are surrounded by passionate science experts and educators, and connect with other science-loving students.

As ASO Summer School drew to a close for another year, students were presented with their certificates and had their final dinner together.

The students heard from Anna Davis, Chair of the ASI Board, who encouraged them to follow their curiosity and push themselves out of their comfort zones. ‘That way you will truly learn something new and valuable.’

Anna congratulated the students on being ‘the top science students’ in Australia and reminded them that, whether or not they pursue a career in science, this will still be a valuable experience. Understanding science concepts will be useful, even if they work in a different field.

ASI Patron, Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb, former Chief Scientist of Australia, was also present to congratulate the students. He left them with three important words to carry forward into their future scientific endeavours: ‘Passion, patience and persistence’.

A night of fun followed, filled with dinner, dancing, games, photo booths, and farewells.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate everyone who helped make the 2025 ASO Summer School the success that it was.

  • Our 96 talented participants who travelled from different parts of Australia to bring their dedication, enthusiasm, and talent to our program.
  • Our Program Directors, Deputy Program Directors, Program Staff, and support teams who generously shared their passions and expertise with our students.
  • All the students, teachers, and schools who took part in the ASO exam and other programs this year. Your engagement means the world to us!
  • Families and friends, we couldn’t have done it without your endless support for these bright young minds.
  • Our partnership with the Australian National University, providing our students with access to world class amenities and facilities, along with an invaluable experience of staying, eating, and hanging out at Wright Hall.
  • Our partnership with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, who recognise the significance of supporting the future of Australian science through programs like the Australian Science Olympiads.

ASO Summer School would not be possible without the effort, time and guidance of all the teams and staff for these 16 amazing days in January. The skills, knowledge and experiences gained by each participant are due to the dedication of everyone involved.

Want to know more about the Australian Science Olympiad program? Click to check it out.