Science capacity trending toward zero

Mr Tim Besley, President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, has just released new figures to show an alarming slump in Australia's capacity in physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering.

The figures show the number of Australian university academics, and year 12 participants in these basic subjects are trending towards zero. The solution proposed is a National initiative in Science and Mathematics Education for the New Millennium. The initiative would encompass major investment in public awareness of the importance of science, promotion of the opportunities provided by science, rejuvenation of the schools science programme, increase support for tertiary training, and greater support for research in science.

The initiative is being supported by:

• The Royal Australian Chemical Institute;
• The Australian Institute for Physics;
• The Australian Mathematical Sciences Council; and
• The Institution of Engineers, Australia.