Themes for the Conference

Science and technology in education

• New ways of teaching science and technology from kindergarten to university
• Present the pilot project “Science kindergarten and Science primary school”
• Involvement of business and industry in teaching and school curriculum
• Creating good role-models
• Gender and ethnic differences in perception of science and technology

Young people and the crisis of scientific vocation

• Why is perception of the importance of science low in Europe compared to many other parts of the world?
• Why is young people’s interest in studying science lowest in the richest countries?
• What is the main factor for choice of direction in young people’s educational decisions?

Public awareness – the role of mass-media

• Is the amount media coverage of these issues proportional to their importance for society?
• Can science and technology be presented in TV in ways that will appeal  to new audiences?
• Science and technology in entertainment and drama
• Science and technology in commercials. The responsibility of business and industry in attracting young people to science and technology.
• At which educational level should business and industry start their recruitment?

Public awareness of scientific issues – the role of museums, science centres and educational institutions

• Scientific entertainment or scientific enlightenment?

• Scientists in science centres – Collaboration with universities