There is currently much debate concerning federal funding for Science and Technology in Australia. Some argue that for Australia to succeed within the global market we must place more emphasis (and more funding) on the education of the new generation of Australian Scientists.
I believe that whilst education is fundamental to a nation's success, no matter how much funding we put into science education, it will only be effective if students are interested in being educated. After all, what is the point of having shiny new labs and abundant teachers if the labs and lecture theatres are empty?
Within my position in Women in Science and Engineering at The University of Western Australia (UWA), I see many talented women students with a variety of options available to them. Yet when asked what they would like to study at university, many reply: "Medicine, and if I don't get in, then Law". Why is this? Why aren’t more women students considering engineering or science?
This concern prompted us, when the opportunity to edit the WiseNet Journal arose, to highlight some efforts being put forward in Western Australia to enthuse students about science. There are a number of excellent programmes across WA (and Australia) designed to increase students' conscious exposure to and enthusiasm for Science.
To my mind, the triple S (Science for School Students) Science Fairs (profiled in this issue) are unique in Western Australia, and possibly in the nation. Whilst some schools do hold Science Fairs of their own, the triple S committee is representative of a number of institutions including Western Australian Universities and Government departments. These institutions work together to provide Science Fairs with demonstrations of a very high calibre. The triple S committee manages to entwine the needs of these institutions and those of the general public in a successful manner to produce fun, exciting science fairs for students of all ages (and parents!). Feedback indicates the fairs are viewed as fun and interesting, and that people are leaving the fairs with an appreciation of the variety of disciplines under the umbrella of ' Science'.
However, it's not always convenient or possible for some people to visit fairs and other events. A fantastic initiative launched in 1999 is the 'Swim with Dragons' web-site. The site, whilst targeted at young women, enables everyone to use the internet to access profiles of Western Australian women succeeding in science. This is a great way for audiences to obtain information regarding the variety of career paths within Science with minimal effort.
We know that, no matter how much parents, teachers or web-sites tell students how great science is, it is often other students who inspire those who are teetering when making their choices. Many undergraduate students at all four public Western Australian universities are enthusiastically participating in schemes which allow them to "spread the word" about science and engineering.
We hope that the current combination of Science events, the internet and speaking directly to people involved in Science encourages students to seriously consider a career in Science or Technology. But we don't have all the answers. Behind each Science graduate lies a reason for their interest in their discipline. We will never develop the "one size fits all" Science event and so it is important to reach students from as many different angles, through as many different mediums as physically (or virtually) possible.
I would like to thank Diana Temple, Rosemary Sutton and Julie Evans for collecting articles, providing advice and assistance and answering innumerable email messages over the past few months. I appreciate the time that you have all spent on me for this special purpose. Thank you also to Barbara Goldflam for her suggestions for articles.
Tricia Gardiner
Guest Editor, Special Perth Edition