The powerful force behind life on earth

Who Iestyn R., St John’s Anglican College, QLD

What An amazing explanation of proton-proton fusion process that occurs in the sun’s core. We asked the creator of Fusion: The Heart of the Sun and winner of the University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary about the process of creating his film, and why he keeps coming back to the Eureka Prizes year after year.

Winner of the 2024 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary.

You set out to show how the Sun produces enormous amount of energy. What did you uncover?

While researching for my Sleek Geeks topic, Proton-Proton Fusion in the Sun, I uncovered how the Sun converts hydrogen to helium to create the energy that supports life on Earth. Secondly, I discovered the conditions required to allow these fusion reactions in its core to occur, such as immense temperature and pressure.

What sparked your interest in this topic?

I am interested in all things science, but fusion energy has been one of my passion areas for a long time now, so I decided to make a film on the largest fusion reactor in the Solar System, the Sun. I also made this video because I believe that fusion energy is the solution to the clean energy problem here on Earth.

What was the most interesting thing that you learnt during your research?

The most interesting thing that I learnt during the research process for this film is that the Sun converts some of its own mass into energy during the fusion process, and this energy produced by fusion holds up the star and prevents it from collapsing.

What did you enjoy most about the film-making process?

The thing I most enjoyed about the filmmaking process was creating my own illustrations to use in the video. They may not be as polished as some that you can find on the internet, but I am improving every time, and it is a very rewarding experience.

Why did you decide to enter the University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?

This is actually the third time that I have entered the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, and I have continued submitting my films as I believe that I want to pursue science communication as a potential future career and find it a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience. To those who have thought about entering but don’t know where to start, just find a topic that you are passionate about, research it, and just give it a go. I guarantee that you will learn something, have a great time doing it, and you might just surprise yourself!

Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize encourages students to communicate a scientific concept in a short film. It is intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who will be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.