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Government Acts to Bust Myth of Elitist Science
30th June 2009
?A campaign was launched earlier this year to create a more science literate society, highlighting the science and technology-based industries of the future.
Backed by Government, the science community and celebrities, Science [So What? So Everything] aims to show people how science benefits them in their everyday lives, is crucial in strengthening the UK economy, and is vital to meeting some of the major challenges of our time.
Launching the campaign, Science Minister Lord Drayson said: “Science is going to be an important tool for getting us out of this downturn. We all need to be aware of the impact of science on our lives. We also need more trained scientists and engineers to help build the Britain of the future in key areas such as earth and life sciences.“
Independent projections argue there could be as many as 2.9 million jobs in STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and maths) occupations by 2017. Science [So What? So Everything] will complement and support existing work to increase the number of people studying STEM subjects and entering related careers.
John Denham, Secretary of State for the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: “Driving up the number of people who have the skills in science, technology, engineering and maths required by emerging and growth industries will help ensure the UK remains strong in an increasingly competitive global economy and win the jobs of tomorrow.”
The Science [So What? So Everything] website is at www.direct.gov.uk/sciencesowhat
The campaign is aimed at people of all ages but supports and compliments work funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families such as the websites www.futuremorph.org and www.scienceandmaths.net designed as a resource for young people and schools to show just some of the amazing and unexpected careers that studying science, technology, engineering and maths can lead to.
