The University of Otago's annual Hands-On Science school, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this week, has never been more popular.
About 350 leading pupils from secondary schools throughout the country applied to attend the latest science school, but only 240 could be accepted, organisers said.
This is the second largest school in the event's history, more than 250 pupils having attended in 2006.
Co-ordinator Rose Newburn said applications increased every year and hard choices had to be made because the school's limited size meant some could not be accepted.
Organisers tried to ensure that if pupils - ranging from years 11 to 13 - could not be accepted initially, they could participate later in their high school studies.
"The school is successful because it's very, very well done and because the students get to do real science," she said.
The extensive academic programme starts today after initial orientation activities yesterday..
The school encourages pupils to consider studying science at university, and offers a range of week-long study projects and shorter "science snacks".
More than a third of previous participants had gone on to study at Otago University.
The school had altered the lives of some young scientists and they had met people who would become lifelong friends, she said.
An Otago University philosopher, Prof Peter Anstey, will give a public lecture on "Philosophy for Future Scientists" at the college of education auditorium at 7.30 tonight.
The 20th anniversary will also be celebrated at a dinner tomorrow night, with Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin attending.
