The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute took nominations from schools before selecting the winners, who will be invited to tour the institute and learn from world class researchers.

Head science teacher at Yass High, Andrew McAleer, said Sam was deserving of the honour.

"We nominated him because he is the highest achieving science student. He's come first in physics, first in biology and I think first in mathematics as well. Plus he's looking at a science career in the future so he was the obvious choice," he said.

Sam was taken aback when Mr McAleer told him he was in the running.

"I thought it was amazing I couldn't believe I got it," he told the Tribune.

According to Professor Jamie Vandenberg of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute it is a great step forward for the award winners.

“Each and every one of these students has shown a dedication to science and a passion for discovery, and they all 

have the potential to go on to become Australia’s next science hero, just like Victor Chang,” he said.

Such is his dedication to the subject, Sam couldn't attend yesterday's ceremony in Figtree as he had a practical physics assessment task but the award will be sent to him.

Sam's interested in pursuing a career in engineering and mechanical science.