The Science Council welcomes DIUS Science (So What? SO Everything) campaign
28th January 2009
The Science Council welcomes the DIUS Science (So What? So Everything) campaign which will aim to raise awareness that science can be a satisfyingly every-day thing – part of everyone’s life - moving the focus away from high level research and the ‘breakthroughs’ to the things we use, do and need on a daily basis.
Diana Garnham commented:
“It is great to see the concept of every-day science coming to the fore and I hope that this campaign will tackle perceptions that science is elitist and geeky. We need to get this right if we are going to encourage more young people to take up science as a career. It is crucial we tackle this but in a way that makes aspiring to be a scientist something less scaring – something attainable and worthwhile. We're not going to get more young people getting into science because we tell them that their country needs them.”
This is what the Science Council’s new careers web site www.futuremorph.org is aiming to address – we are showing all the different types of jobs where science and scientists play a part – not just manufacturing and research but in:
The health service where 50,000 scientists work largely behind the scenes – we’re not talking about doctors here but all the people who deliver diagnostics and treatment to millions every year. We need lots more scientists in the health sector in the 21st century including 400 more physicists to ensure we can deliver 21st century cancer care. (Health careers)
For example, on www.futuremorph.org you can find out about all the different types of people with science backgrounds who jumped into action after the tsunami in 2004 (tsunami) using high tech equipment and a breadth of science and technological experience – the rescue services, communications, geophysicists, meteorologists, flood management, water cleaning and safety, health specialists, oceanographers and the list goes on.
Or you can see how science plays a part in art (glass artist) or in the theatre: (theatre technician) .
The possibilities for what a future with science and maths could be are limitless – what might you be?
ENDS
For further information contact:
Diana Garnham d.garnham@sciencecouncil.org 07768 055 853
About the Science Council
The Science Council was established by Royal Charter in 2003 with the objects to advance science and its applications for public benefit.
It is a membership organisation for learned and professional bodies across science and its applications and works with them to represent this sector to government and others.
The Science Council promotes the profession of scientist through the Chartered Scientist designation and the development of codes of practice; it promotes awareness of the contribution of professional scientists to science and society and advances science education and increased understanding of the benefits of science.
The Science Council provides a forum for discussion and exchange of views and works to foster collaboration between member organisations and the wider science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical communities to enable inter-disciplinary contributions to science policy and the application of science.
