This is an era in which science is needed, arguably more than ever. In the environment, energy and innovation generally, smart investors rely on smart thinkers. The public needs trusty scientists, to pursue knowledge and to arbitrate in debates about the likes of climate change, nuclear energy or nanotechnology.
The trouble is, we may be running short of scientists. In 2005 an article in these pages warned about an impending shortage in nuclear personnel (see Barry Kaufer on www.oecdobserver.org). This message was recently repeated by the OECD NEA (see www.nea.fr). Policy experts are now sounding the alarm in relation to science as a whole, pointing to a shortage that will grow worse unless governments take steps to raise enrolment levels in science and technology education.
A recent publication from the OECD’s Global Science Forum, Encouraging Student Interest in Science and Technology Studies, reports that the best students are not choosing science because it is not well understood. It says the image of scientists in white coats doesn’t help, either.
But perhaps more importantly in a world of mind-boggling bonuses in financial trading, science is simply not seen as a field for making money in. After all, finance requires smart people too. Pay might not be the only factor, but it will take a genius to reverse the scientist shortage without addressing it. Assuming there are any geniuses left, that is.
©OECD Observer No 263, October 2007
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