London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) is open for the best students of science aged between 17 and 21. It is a particularly interesting way to spend two weeks in August in the very heart of London, Oxford and Cambridge, but also a unique chance to join the scientific community. This is because the participants can listen to lectures on the latest research achievements headlined in Science or Nature, or meet world-famous scientists with whom they can discuss their research.

They meet young talented people from all over the world – from Europe through the United States, Brazil, New Zealand and China to India. There’s something for everyone – engineers, biologists, chemists and mathematicians – as they are all part of the world of science. Most LIYSF events take place at the Imperial College London in Kensington, one of the wealthiest districts of London. The nearby Hyde Park, as well as the most important museums in the capital – the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum – allow a taste of real London life.

– The Forum took place in South Kensington, a district of London providing us with various pastimes.
Scientific activities, social events and London sightseeing made the time spent at LIYSF special,  says Maria Michna (2015 Forum participant).

One of the exhibits in the Natural History Museum in London.

In the world of ceaseless passion for discovering the unknown

– LIYSF gave me a unique opportunity to listen to lectures of leading scientists and to get to know science enthusiasts from all around the world.
As I’ve been interested in science since childhood, when I learnt about the Forum I immediately wanted to participate in it. I was particularly impressed by Dr Michael Londesborough’s lecture on boron compounds’ chemistry and their applications, Maria Michna, 2015 Forum participant.

Top-notch science

Cambridge and Oxford, the two most famous British universities, are now available to every LIYSF participant. The forum programme includes visits to research centres, among them to one of those two special universities. Apart from sightseeing, active participation in research groups is also planned, which consists in discovering the process of scientific learning.

Visiting Oxford

In the very heart of London

Forum participants make an extraordinary cultural mix; they differ in many respects but they have a common passion and objective. Some of them visit London for the first time, so there are tourist activities scheduled for the weekend. Participants can visit the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, or go to Stonehenge and to Salisbury. Those interested in more modern attractions can ride the London Eye.

The main London attractions – Big Ben

London Eye

Cultural life

London is famous for the opera, so this should not be missed in the LIYSF offer.
The participants are provided with evening entertainment; the shows on the agenda include The Lion King, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and War Horse.

Enjoy a British adventure in an international atmosphere

A long tradition, experience and cooperation with world-famous scientists – all make the London International Youth Science Forum a unique event for every young scientist.

– Accommodation in the centre of London, at the Imperial College campus allowed me to envisage academic life abroad. But LIYSF is mostly about people. During the two weeks spent at the Forum I met many interesting and inspiring people both from Poland and other countries, who infected me with their passion for creating my own scientific projects, says Julia Skulimowska, participant of 2015 Forum. 

Two weeks renewing the desire to explore the world – LIYSF is waiting for you. To participate in the Forum, you need to be between 17 and 21 years old and have at least a communicative level of English. Participation is connected with an attendance fee of £1,695 per person. The amount includes the costs of accommodation, participation in lectures and the events presented in the programme. The organisers provide support for people self-funding their participation. You can find details on the LIYSF website – http://www.liysf.org.uk/ or by writing to: info@liysf.org.uk. During the recruitment process, each participant is required to fill in an online application form at www: http://www.liysf.org.uk/liysf-participation/booking-forms/ and demonstrate their interest in science and desire to explore the world.One’s achievements in science should also be emphasised.

London city centre

Author: Joanna Jurek