The National Value of Science Education: New insights into shared challenges

14 September 2007

A two-day international conference held at the National Science Learning in York, on 17-18 September, will combine economists, education researchers, practitioners and policy makers from 30 different countries to explore the hot topics in science education from across the globe.

The conference, organised by the Wellcome Trust in partnership with the US National Science Foundation, continues themes taken from a bilateral UK-US (NSF) meeting in late 2006 on the supply of scientists which made several recommendations for this larger conference.

The programme will involve a number of impressive speakers, including: Michael Teotelbaum, Program Director for Research and Technology at the Alfred P Sloan Foundation; Dr Aileen Allsop, Vice-President of Science Policy at AztraZenica; and Professor John Holman, Director of the National Science Learning Centre. Questions raised during the conference include: 'what is the national value of science education?', 'what does the future hold for those with a science degree?' and 'what are the challenges to delivering a high-quality science education to all?'.

Focussing on OECD (developed) countries, the conference will combine economic, cultural and educational perspectives on school science education, seeking to go beyond the simplistic idea that we need more scientists and examine the benefits of science education to citizenship and national life.

Invited delegates consist of economists, education researchers, practitioners and policy makers, who have been identified by an international advisory committee in partnership with the British Council. The conference will combine international comparisons and analysis with practical recommendations.

Clare Matterson, Director of Medicine, Society and History at the Wellcome Trust comments:

"This conference comes at an exciting time for the Wellcome Trust as we begin to expand our education remit. Debating the role of science education at a global level allows us to learn from our counterparts in the field of science and education, share experience and hopefully collaborate on future activities."

"The National Science Foundation is appropriately positioned at the cutting edge of science education," says Cora Marrett, Assistant Director for the Education and Human Resources Directorate at NSF. "It is our mission to foster new ideas, encourage institutional and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and develop new ways to measure the success of our efforts. By supporting excellence in education for scientists and engineers, as well as for teachers in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, we further a vibrant research community that can meet the challenges of the day. At the same time, we advance a citizenry that is scientifically literate and engaged in the solutions to those challenges."

Professor John Holman, Director of the National Science Learning Centre in York, comments: "With remarkable consistency, developed countries share the dilemma that, while science is increasingly important for their advanced economies, students are showing a decreasing interest in studying it at post-compulsory level. This conference will be the first opportunity that workers from developed countries have had to gain common insights to these shared problems. I am very pleased that the Wellcome Trust and the National Science Foundation have chosen the National Science Learning Centre as the venue for such an important event."

Contact

Mike Findlay
Media Officer
Wellcome Trust
T +44 (0)20 7611 8612
F +44 (0)20 7611 8545
E m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk

The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent U.S. government agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $5.92 billion. NSF grants reach more than 1700 universities and institutions. Each year, the agency receives about 42 000 competitive requests for funding, and makes more than 10 000 new funding awards. NSF's Education and Human Resources directorate (EHR) is charged with promoting the development of a diverse and well-prepared workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians and educators and a well-informed citizenry that has access to the ideas and tools of science and engineering. Towards that end, EHR supports education, research and infrastructure development in all science and engineering disciplines to enhance the quality of life of all citizens; to improve the health, prosperity, welfare and security of the nation; and to build the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce of the 21st century.

The National Science Learning Centre provides innovative and inspirational professional development for science teachers and technicians from across the UK. The £11 million purpose built centre, situated at the University of York, is funded by independent biomedical research charity, the Wellcome Trust, which has committed £25m to fund the Centre over ten years. The National Science Learning Centre is part of a network of ten Science Learning Centres, which is a joint initiative by the Department for Children Schools and families and the Wellcome Trust.

The Nuffield Foundation is an endowed charitable trust established in 1943 by William Morris (Lord Nuffield) the founder of Morris Motors.Its main object is "the advancement of social well being, particularly by scientific research".It funds research and practical experiment and the development of capacity to undertake them, working across education, science and social science and social policy. The Foundation has been active in the field of science education for over 40 years.

The British Council is the UK's cultural relations organisation and works in 110 countries worldwide to build trust and understanding through the arts, education and training, science and technology, sport, good governance and human rights. Our science programmes support scientific collaboration through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. We aim to build lasting relationships and networks between young scientists around the world and to make connections between science, technology and society. By celebrating the UK's creative ideas and scientific achievements, we work to stimulate debate about the impact of science on people's everyday lives.