Educating our Scientists of Tomorrow

The RSC hosted on the 5th November the 2008 Science and the Parliament event, which aims to bring the scientific community in Scotland together with Members of the Scottish Parliament and other key policy makers.

The 2008 event was focussed on science education, given that a number of significant developments are taking place in Scotland. The school curriculum is under review through the Curriculum for Excellence project, there are proposals to reform National Qualifications and introduce a Science Baccalaureate, whilst there is a vigorous debate taking place on the future funding requirements of the universities in Scotland.

The event was opened by the President of the RSC, Professor Dave Garner, who committed to working with the Scottish Government and policy makers to ensure that the educational reforms are fit for purpose and enhance the already high quality of education in Scotland.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop MSP, gave the keynote address where she expanded on the forthcoming changes to the education system referred to by Professor Garner. She was confident that science in Scotland would continue to make a major contribution to the economy and to society, and she indicated that she expected a revised Science Strategy for Scotland to be unveiled very shortly.

Over 300 delegates attended the event, and 34 organisations across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines had exhibition displays.