Student Testimonials
Please watch our student testimonial video to see what the students of LIYSF 2010 had to say about their experiences. If you were a participant and would like to discuss your thoughts with fellow participants, go to the LIYSF online forum to discuss topics further or join our facebook group.
These testimonials come from reports of past participants at the London International Youth Science Forum
"I realised the real aim of LIYSF is to share visions and ideas and gain a better understanding of how science can benefit us all. The Lectures were highly captivating with such animated presentations. I found the discussion sessions most enjoyable as we were given a chance to indvidually express our views, analyse situations and consider others' points of views.
One major change that LIYSF made in my life is my career choice. All my life I 'thought' I wanted to do Medicine, but for the first time I was exposed to so many opportunities and choices in the field of science."
Fatima Surriya Haq, South Africa
"The more I think about LIYSF, the more I realise how it teaches students to mingle with people from other countries in a relaxed and respectful manner. In a way it shows us that we are all so similar in our views and capabilities and so should be able to work very well together in the future.
LIYSF changed my views in this way. I now feel so comfortable in knowing that I have a global network and in knowing that young people from all over the world can get along so well and productively. Before LIYSF I was unsure whether to continue studying science, but after listening to the many lectures and particularly Professor Brandon and Lord Browne who taught us that "science is the natural home for optimists" I am certain that science is the way to go for me."
Marsha Sudar, Australia
"It's the first time I have ever attended such a forum, but I've understood one thing, I want more! I want to go there again and again and again. I really enjoyed the spirit of LIYSF and this forum has change my life to a new and better one, it has just turned it upside down!"
Stas Shkel, Russia
"All the professors we met were fantastic and helpful! Moreover, we got some career ideas from our visits! Eg. I've never thought about studying nanochemistry but now I take it very seriously after visiting the Department of materials at Imperial."
Despina Ioannou, Cyprus
"LIYSF visits and social events could not have been better – these were the best ways to find some new friends. Also, the historical power of Stonehenge and Salisbury, breath-taking and magnificent castles of Windsor and Hampton Court, whose beauty cannot be described in words were also subjects of interesting historical speculations between us"
Damian Kwiatkowski, Poland
"Thank you very much for a fantastic three weeks! It exceeded all expectations and was a truly wonderful experience that I will never forget"
Cara Nolan, Australia
"The range of optional visits really did cater to everyone's needs. The people selected to attend the forum were not only brilliant scientists, but they were confident, sporty, musical and outgoing people. LIYSF was truly the best three weeks of my life, not only giving me the opportunity to meet new people and experience such a rich variety of fields within science, but it has given me the confidence to proudly claim the title of 'geek' and aim higher in my studies and life in general. My memories of LIYSF are like little rays of sunshine that really do brighten my day, and I will treasure them forever."
Katherine Mowbray, New Zealand
"Both the scientific and social components were fantastic and LIYSF 09 was absolutely an unforgettable experience. The people were really nice and the meeting of many cultures gave the event a rich cultural component which is, I think, really important for us to become more tolerant and rich people. I have no words to describe the LIYSF experience. It absolutely changed my life"
Antonio Lima Grilo, Portugal
"The forum itself was the most brilliant presentation of Science in its entirety that one could ask for. With the most diverse range of topics from in depth- Physics, to application of fluorescent light in night-clubs to the latest development in Stem-cell therapy. The way a 14 day forum broadened my perspective on Science was truly incredible"
Anirban Poddar, India
"I had an awesome time; the forum really opened my eyes to the opportunities that lie in science but I think what I will remember most was meeting all the people"
Manisha Narayan, New Zealand
"The Science Forum is an experience I will never forget, I have learnt so much about science, different cultures, and above all, myself.This Science Forum has exposed me to stunning scientific research…and also introduced me to people whose views and opinions have changed my outlook …. LIYSF was undoubtedly the most incredible two weeks I have had in my entire life"
Vaishnaavi Gnanasampathan, New Zealand
"…the most inspiring and eye-opening experience. Not only was I invited into the world of science but I met some of the most amazing scientists of the present and of the future"
Debbie Parry, UK
"LIYSF was an experience full of learning and fun. It provided a platform to experience different cultures; understand different points of view; get an insight into science; and make friends beyond the borders of nationalism"
Sadan Nasir, Pakistan
"There was also a whole range of social activities arranged for us…which included the Welcome Party; theatre trips; sightseeing tours; the great Underground Train race; 'Songs of Home' with traditional songs from different countries… my favourite was definitely the International Cabaret with lots of performances from different cultures.. music, singing, dancing, comedy…"
Nicky Reynolds, UK
"What was special for me about LIYSF 2007? The connections; not only the connections that were made between countries and between people for future use…… but more importantly we learned so much from each other, not only about our countries and our culture"
Dmitry Ivanov, Russia
"I really learned so much about science, the world, and myself this summer at LIYSF…"
Xue Ying, Hong Kong
"For two weeks we ate together, stayed together, we played together, went sightseeing together…. The close bonds that developed during this short space of time are strong and durable…"
Atharv Tillu, UK
"..a unique opportunity to meet and get to know a great deal of incredibly talented people from around the world. People who you know will one day be making a difference to all areas of science"
Sam Taylor, UK
"This experience has considerably changed my perspective on most aspects of life; … it also helped boost my confidence, as never before had I walked confidently up to a complete stranger only to be received warmly, and engage in conversation right away"
John Murray-Bruce, Nigeria
"Coming from Jamaica, LIYSF exposed me to the bowels of England, it's culture and all the other cultures intertwined in this amazing science experience. I would recommend it to anyone. It was life changing and I'll never ever forget it or the friends I made from it!"
Mario Guthrie, Jamaica