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We
are all aware of the impact that science and engineering
make on our lives. For example, the sophisticated
electronic devices we use for entertainment, the
computers which are essential tools for commerce and DNA
fingerprinting, for the near-certain identification of
criminals, are all commonplace.
Advances
in science and engineering and the development of new
products and services in turn depend upon a flow of
young people into scientific and engineering courses.
But here is the rub. That flow is increasingly
inadequate to meet the needs of our economy, especially
with regard to training in mathematics and the physical
sciences. The consequences for our competitiveness could
be severe and have an impact on the continuing success
of our economy.
Why
are science and engineering not more attractive as
subject choices at school and ultimately as career
choices? Is it because the role models of the young have
typically followed careers in fashion, sport and music,
while scientists and engineers are often dismissed in
the media as geeks or anoraks? Or is it because science
and engineering are perceived, often inaccurately, as
having negative impacts on society and the environment?
Animal experimentation, genetic engineering and climate
change all attract protest movements with strong support
from young people. So what can we do to persuade the
young to embrace science and engineering?
Southampton Science Park
is home to some of our leading science and
engineering companies. Some products such as the
eco-friendly insect pest traps developed by Exosect (www.exosect.com),
have clear environmental benefits. Other products, such
as the on-line ticketing machine for Thorpe Park,
including the animation of the 'Colossus' ride by
Semantic (www.thorpepark.com) involved fascinating
creative challenges in their development.
Southampton Science Park
managers, scientists and engineers, work
with schools and colleges to demystify science and
engineering. Some act as mentors, others are governors.
Companies host young people carrying out project work,
or welcome them to their premises to illustrate, at
first hand, what the daily life of a scientist or
engineer involves. Southampton Science Park and its
tenants are helping Henry Beaufort School to achieve
specialist school status in science and technology and
the Park sponsored the Cricklade College schools science
quiz day.
Science
and engineering have beauty, fascination and challenge
in abundance and can lead to satisfying and financially
rewarding careers. Society needs science but science
must explain itself to society. Southampton Science Park
is playing its part in that process.
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