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Magic of Science

Failure to teach the "magic of science" has been cited as a reason for declining interest in scientific research and education.

"What is never taught is the feeling of the wonder of doing science, the moments when the hard work, the experimental data and the analysis all gel...and you suddenly experience `the click' as everything falls into place", says research scientist Dr Jean Fleming.

She says a severe shortage of scientifically-trained people is anticipated in the next ten years despite the pressing need for scientific research into fields such as energy use, pollution control, food production and population control.

Fleming, a full-time research scientist, was addressing fellow guests at the inaugural Bayer New Zealand Science Scholarship Awards ceremony. Bayer has granted three-year scholarships worth $4,500 each to five science students who will start their tertiary education next year.