A Dover Heights Year 10 student has earned one of the state’s top science awards for research that could help protect both human skin and ocean ecosystems from harmful UV radiation.
Read: Dover Heights Teen Tasha Rogoff Wins National Young Archie Prize
Congjing Zhu received a High Distinction Certificate at the 2025 Young Scientist Awards at the University of Technology Sydney, recognised for her project “The Effects of UV-B Stress on the UV Resistance of Plants.”
The teenager’s research explores how naturally extracted plant compounds could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-based sunscreens, which she says are contributing to rising ocean acidity levels.
Congjing explained that many chemical-based sunscreens are currently contributing to increased ocean acidity, noting that an estimated 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen enters waterways globally each year. However, she said that naturally extracted plant compounds offer benefits for both the environment and human health.
The research comes at a crucial time for Australia, which has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, making sun protection a daily necessity for millions of people.
Congjing, who has long held an interest in biochemistry, is among five students from eastern suburbs schools being recognised at this year’s awards ceremony across chemistry, biology, physics and primary sciences categories.
The Young Scientists Awards have been presented by the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW) since 1992, providing recognition to the state’s brightest young scientific minds. The High Distinction Certificate is awarded to students achieving a level 5 standard, representing excellence in scientific investigation and research.
Also receiving recognition on Friday is 14-year-old Kambala student Karin Iwano from the eastern suburbs, whose project developed a simple tool to measure soil acidity using liquefied red cabbage as a natural pH indicator.
Karin explained that measuring soil acidity across different locations presents challenges, yet remains critically important for agricultural purposes. Her biodegradable solution provides an easy-to-read colour change between purple and red to indicate acidity levels.
The practical application came from a school excursion to a farm, proving that real-world observations can spark innovative solutions.
The young scientist described her STEM work as both enjoyable and rewarding, adding that she hopes to study technology or engineering and eventually create new products for major tech companies.
STANSW vice president Lauren McKnight said the awards help students “see science not just as a subject, but as a way of understanding and shaping the world around them.”
The awards ceremony will also announce the coveted Young Scientist of the Year, recognising the most outstanding project among all entries.
Read: Residents Secure Tree Removal For Harbour Views In Dover Heights
For Dover Heights, Congjing’s achievement highlights the calibre of scientific thinking emerging from local schools, with her research addressing both environmental sustainability and public health concerns through innovative botanical chemistry.
Published 12-January-2026
