Jane
I'm interested in King's talk but will not be able to go. Any chance of a
copy of his speech afterwards?
Also of interest is the £2 million allocated by the government for
schoolchildren, science and engineering.I'm about to close such a scheme for
lack of money!
Regards
Barbara
Barbara Wood-Kaczmar
[log in to unmask]
tel/fax 01279 724371
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elizabeth K" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 12:31 PM
Subject: DIARY NOTE - David King on Engineering
DIARY NOTE. DIARY NOTE. DIARY NOTE.
Risks and rewards for engineering and society
The UK is second only to the US in the volume and influence of its
scientific research and we are doing better than ever in reaping the
benefits of this excellence through effective engineering. Yet even at this
exciting time we face two potential problems that could limit our
technological development, Professor David King FRS, Chief Scientific
Adviser to HM Government, will tell the Royal Academy of Engineering when he
gives the ExxonMobil lecture in London on Monday 2 December 2002.
Professor King will discuss the lessons learned from a number of
high-profile UK issues, particularly BSE, which have eroded public
confidence in the way science is handled. Surveys in the UK and elsewhere
show that people are more averse than they used to be to the risks
associated with innovation. Government, engineers and scientists must
recognise and address the legitimate concerns by engaging the public in
debate about the benefits and new opportunities their work opens to society.
They must also be open about the risks and uncertainties that new
technologies may bring.
Energy generation and climate change are key topics for the UK at present,
particularly the debate about nuclear power and how to dispose safely of the
waste it produces. Yet nuclear fission is, as yet, one of the few
large-scale energy sources that does not emit carbon dioxide and can
therefore enable us to meet our greenhouse gas emission targets.
Professor King will also emphasise the need to grow the skills we need to
sustain high-tech developments. Ironically, undergraduate numbers are
falling on engineering, physical sciences and mathematics degree courses
just as exciting new career opportunities are opening up. The Government
regards the engagement of young people in science as a priority and has
committed £2 million a year over this and the next two years for the
delivery of science, technology, engineering and maths activities into
schools so that every child under 16 should have the opportunity, at least
once in the next three years, of participating in an appropriate activity.
It has also launched a new Science and Engineering Ambassadors initiative
(SEAs) to capture children's imagination and encourage them to take up
careers in science and engineering.
The Royal Academy of Engineering/ExxonMobil lecture will be held at 5.30 for
6pm on Monday 2 December 2002 at 7 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1.
Journalists are welcome to attend by prior arrangement with the Academy.
For more information please contact:
Jane Sutton at the Royal Academy of Engineering
tel: 020 7227 0536 (direct), mobile: 07989 513045, email:
[log in to unmask]
-- The Royal Academy of Engineering aims to pursue, encourage and maintain
excellence across the whole field of engineering in order to promote the
advancement of the science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit
of the public. The Academy comprises the UK's most eminent engineers and is
able to use their combined wealth of knowledge and experience to meet its
objectives.
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