Communicating Science and Technology 2006

Opening speech by Norwegian Minister of Education and Research, Øystein Djupedal.

Tromsø, Norway  06.06.2006

It is truly an honour for me as the Norwegian Minister of Education and Research to welcome you to this international conference, Communicating Science and Technology 2006 here in this city of the midnight sun.

You have travelled from many countries to come here to the northernmost university in the world to discuss the challenges and the future for Science and Technology in Europe. And as you all know, there are great challenges in this academic field. Europe was once considered one of the most intellectual leading parts of the world, but soon we might see ourselves just as average. Many countries, especially in Asia, are moving ahead of us and in a fast speed, developing new ideas and competitive technology. The question is: What should we do to change the declining interest for science and technology in society, and to improve our companies’ position in the world?

Therefore, it is of great importance that we get together this week to seek answers and make new strategies for the challenges we experience and see coming. Increasing the interest in mathematics and science among children and young people is a matter of concern for most western countries. Norway is certainly not an exception.

Norwegian pupils have been getting lower scores both in mathematics and natural sciences in international tests like PISA and TIMSS. We also have indications that the knowledge of these subjects has been declining among Norwegian students, and especially students aiming to become teachers. Something needs to be done to reverse this development. This is a problem and a challenge; for the educational system, for industry and for society at large. We have taken measures on several levels of the educational system, and a strategy to increase the recruitment to mathematics and natural sciences has been developed. I will, on behalf of the Government, present this strategy in my lecture tomorrow.  

It is of course important to make young people understand that studies in mathematics and natural science lead to many job opportunities. But we should also focus on other aspects of the subjects, so that it is not presented as “safe, but boring”. Journalism, psychology, history of art and philosophy are all subjects where we have no trouble recruiting students. Mainly because they are regarded as intellectually stimulating, and give opportunity for personal development and creativity. Such aspects should also be stressed when it comes to mathematics and natural sciences. The “image” of these subjects needs to be restored. They should be presented as the fascinating subjects that they are, full of intellectual challenges and therefore also of possibilities for personal development and a sense of fulfilment.

The focus on this conference is communicating science and technology. I believe that is one of the keys to succeed. We have to learn how to communicate what science is all about and develop teaching methods that make young people understand that science and technology are not boring. We must work together to stop the declining trend, and make young people see all the possibilities that mathematics and natural sciences have to offer. Many teachers take part in this work every day, and they should not be forgotten. They play a significant role in helping young people to se the possibilities and joy, not to forget the beauty that mathematics and natural science can offer.

A couple of weeks ago I had the honour of announcing the winner of the Abel prize in mathematics; Professor Lennart Carleson of Kungliga tekniska Högskolan in Sweden. I understand that one of professor Carlesons’ achievements is that he has solved a mathematical problem that had been unsolved for one and a half century. I can only imagine the sense of personal fulfilment that must give. This aspect of mathematics should be communicated to young people. Maybe we would succeed in making the subject more “fashionable” - at least we should make clear that it has a lot to offer in terms of inspiring intellectual challenges. In this context the enthusiastic and dedicated teacher is again vital, and we must strive to nurture more such teachers in our schools must continue.

In our modern society everyone needs to master mathematics, at least to some degree, even in jobs that seem far from mathematics at first glance. It is clear that we also need more people with extensive knowledge of mathematics, because mathematics is essential also in many other fields of science. It is worth noting that Plato, philosopher in Ancient Athens, valued mathematics very highly. Not only because he thought the order of the world consisted in some kind of mathematical harmony. He also believed that mathematics is the principal means to sharpen the human intellect, making us better able to understand different aspects of life, like ethics.

In the next days, you will discuss several key issues here in Tromsø. From the program, I am sure that you will learn  a lot, and I hope you will give each other new perspectives and ideas you will find useful in your future work. As well as the importance of lectures and discussions, I want to point out the great city of Tromsø, that hosts this conference. Remember also, in between all the deep thinking, to spend time in the streets and experience some of what this city has to offer.

I wish you all a joyful and exploring time here in Tromsø. Thank you for the attention!