Friday 16 May 2025 marked an unforgettable milestone for Lily Rofail (Year 11) and PLC Sydney. That evening, the Grand Awards of the 75th edition of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) took place in Columbus, Ohio, USA — the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition.

After a nail-biting wait as winners in 22 different categories were announced, the moment finally arrived: the Physics and Astronomy category. The excitement among the Australian team was palpable when we heard the words "...from Australia: Lily Demiana Rofail!”  Cheers erupted as Lily was awarded fourth place in her category — an incredible honour that placed her work among the top high school science projects globally.

Lily presented her Year 10 Student Research Project, Taking Shark Skin for a Spin, with clarity, confidence, and scientific rigour. During judging day, she impressed a panel of six expert judges, fielding challenging questions about her innovative research inspired by the structure and function of shark skin. Given the exceptional calibre of the competition, her recognition is a true testament to the quality and originality of her work.

The week leading up to the awards was filled with intense preparation, networking with fellow finalists from around the world, and a chance to explore the local area. For Lily and the AUSSEF team, the experience was not only academically enriching but also personally transformative.

We are immensely proud of Lily’s outstanding achievement. Her dedication, curiosity, and perseverance embody the spirit of scientific inquiry that we value so deeply at PLC Sydney.

Congratulations, Lily — an extraordinary result on the world stage!