Major campaign launched to boost science
The Prime Minister has launched a new campaign to encourage public interest in science and show people its importance to their everyday lives as well as to the strength of the UK economy.
The campaign ‘Science: [So what? So everything]’ is backed by the Government, the science community – including the British Science Association – and a variety of celebrities, some of whom joined the PM and cabinet ministers at a reception in Downing Street on Wednesday 28 January. High profile guests included the author Terry Pratchett, businessman James Caan and scientist and presenter Kathy Sykes.
The reception was followed by a discussion about how science can be taken to a wider audience to encourage more public involvement and understanding.
Terry Pratchett said: ‘Science and its products are in practically everything we touch, see and do. I use it every day! From my computer, to the medication I take and the telescope I use – whenever the clouds allow. We have turned ourselves into creatures of science. It is up to us to learn how to use science wisely because I don’t think we’ll find such another wonderful resource.’
Independent projections suggest there could be as many as 2.9 million jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics related occupations by 2017. Science Minister Lord Drayson said science would be ‘an important tool for getting us out of this downturn.’
He said: ‘Britain is a world-leader in science, second only to the United States, with many of the most important scientific discoveries and inventions having been made here. Continued success in science is vital to our future – and yet there is still the perception among many of our people that science is too clever for them or elitist in some way. We must challenge myths like these if we are to build a prosperous, science-literate society, able to tackle the difficult issues that modern science presents and work them through to create the jobs and growth of the future.’
A key aim of the campaign is to reach and spark interest in science among a wider audience, dispelling the myth that science is too difficult or out of bounds for all but scientists. The involvement of well-known figures from the media and popular culture will help to convey this message. As well the help of celebrities, the campaign has enlisted the support of UK research councils, learned societies and other government departments and hopes to extend its reach with the involvement of business and other organisations outside the world of science.
To find out more about the campaign and the science affecting your life visit http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/.
The campaign ‘Science: [So what? So everything]’ is backed by the Government, the science community – including the British Science Association – and a variety of celebrities, some of whom joined the PM and cabinet ministers at a reception in Downing Street on Wednesday 28 January. High profile guests included the author Terry Pratchett, businessman James Caan and scientist and presenter Kathy Sykes.
The reception was followed by a discussion about how science can be taken to a wider audience to encourage more public involvement and understanding.
Terry Pratchett said: ‘Science and its products are in practically everything we touch, see and do. I use it every day! From my computer, to the medication I take and the telescope I use – whenever the clouds allow. We have turned ourselves into creatures of science. It is up to us to learn how to use science wisely because I don’t think we’ll find such another wonderful resource.’
Independent projections suggest there could be as many as 2.9 million jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics related occupations by 2017. Science Minister Lord Drayson said science would be ‘an important tool for getting us out of this downturn.’
He said: ‘Britain is a world-leader in science, second only to the United States, with many of the most important scientific discoveries and inventions having been made here. Continued success in science is vital to our future – and yet there is still the perception among many of our people that science is too clever for them or elitist in some way. We must challenge myths like these if we are to build a prosperous, science-literate society, able to tackle the difficult issues that modern science presents and work them through to create the jobs and growth of the future.’
A key aim of the campaign is to reach and spark interest in science among a wider audience, dispelling the myth that science is too difficult or out of bounds for all but scientists. The involvement of well-known figures from the media and popular culture will help to convey this message. As well the help of celebrities, the campaign has enlisted the support of UK research councils, learned societies and other government departments and hopes to extend its reach with the involvement of business and other organisations outside the world of science.
To find out more about the campaign and the science affecting your life visit http://sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/.
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