The Young Centenary Foundation (YCF) is the youth focused sub-committee of the Centenary Foundation. Founded in 2011 with a mission to increase awareness of Centenary’s research.
Who we are
The YCF Committee consists of a group of volunteers who are young professionals aged 20–35, including one of Centenary’s early career researchers:
- Dr Elinor Hortle
- Elli de Ryckman de Betz
- Kate Halsted
- Sarah Kensell
- Tyla Joubert
- William Christian
What we do
The purpose of the YCF is to raise awareness and promote the work of the Centenary Institute to students and young professionals.
Why we do it
We recognise that philanthropy isn’t only for when you’re a millionaire. It can be giving time, going to a comedy night or a lecture series that supports a good cause.
How we do it
Each year the YCF aims to facilitate two public events that champion the Centenary Institute. Past events include Pints for Progress, science themed art exhibitions and public lecture series. We’re always up for raising awareness through charity and community events such City2Surf and the Blackmores Fun Run too.
Upcoming Events for 2020
Check back for information on a new event soon.
Where the funds go
The funds we raise are used to recruit and retain the best young medical research scientists and to buy their supplies; buy state of the art equipment that allows new techniques to be pursued and research project times to be reduced; and help our young scientists travel to conferences to build new global collaborations. YCF is committed to specifically supporting young scientists: one of our mid-term goals is to fund a post-doctoral research position (approx. $100,000 per year) for a young scientist working with a disease that affects young people.
How to get involved
We would love it if you could attend one of our events or sign up to join Team Centenary for City2Surf. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please drop us a message on our facebook page with a bit of information about yourself, including a note on any skills and contacts that you think could be helpful.
About the YCF members
Dr Elinor Hortle
Elinor is a post-doctoral scientist at the Centenary Institute, using the zebra-fish model to research new ways to treat tuberculosis. She has a keen interest in infectious diseases and trying to understand the complicated interactions between bugs and our bodies. She joined the YCF committee because she is passionate bringing scientific ideas out of the lab and into the community. When she’s not working, Elinor can be found rock climbing, music making, or turning everyday life events into graphs.
Kate Halsted
Kate manages strategic business relationships and business development for Mobile and IoT technology at Telstra. She is a strong advocate of STEM and joined the YCF Committee to champion the impact that the Centenary Institute makes with the medical research it produces. She is also an active proponent of gender equality and excited by the gender equity program run by the Century Institute. When she’s not at work she spends most of her time outside, long-distance running, ocean-swimming or just generally exploring the natural world. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Sydney.
Will Christian
Will is the Marketing Manager across APAC and EMEA at SilkRoad, a cloud-based HR solutions platform. He is passionate about creating equal opportunities for all Australians and enjoys learning about different cultures and values. Will joined the YCF Committee to help the medical community engage closely with the younger generation of Australia and is driven to emphasize the importance of supporting continuous medical research. Will holds a Bachelor of Arts & Business from the University of NSW.
Sarah Kensell
Sarah is a corporate lawyer specialising in Mergers and Acquisitions at Gilbert + Tobin, a large Australian corporate law firm. She is excited to support early phase ground-breaking medical research and recognises its profound impact on the lives of all Australians. Sarah joined the YCF Committee to shine a light on the invaluable work of the Centenary Institute’s world leading scientists. In her spare time Sarah enjoys keeping fit, travelling and attending the theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce from The Australian National University.
Tyla Joubert
Tyla works in strategic government policy at Women NSW. She is currently on secondment at the Australian Human Rights Commission advising on sex discrimination. She is a strong advocate for gender equality and previously worked at the Singapore Committee for United Nations Women. Tyla joined the YCF Committee to raise awareness of the Centenary Institute’s medical research amongst a younger generation. Tyla holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney and a Master of International Law and Security from the University of New South Wales.