Science wasn’t always cool. But according to a new report from a group called Let’s Talk Science, a science education and outreach organization with an active chapter at the University of Guelph, the percentage of people who think science is “fun†has increased to more than 72 per cent, a 40 per cent increase over the past few years. This is both amazing and encouraging — if you appreciate science at a young age it’s more likely you’ll become an adult that understands the value of science-based policies and decisions while being able to ask questions.
Science and agriculture go hand in hand. The University of Guelph is always working on developing new innovations to improve the lives of people and animals, such as developing a crop that can be turned into flour that helps people slow their absorption of glucose. It would be a breakthrough for diabetics. New plant varieties developed at the University of Guelph, with the support of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and organizations such as SeCan, contribute more than $650 million a year to the economy and help farmers in all parts of Ontario prosper.
The challenge to science is to do what farming has done: capitalize on its good standing to attract some more new blood. I think people need exposure to what makes
Albert Einstein, one of history’s most famous and well-known scientists. Photo credit pt.wikipedia.org
science not only fascinating but useful and enjoyable. Campaigns are underway now such as Research Matters to show how Canadian researchers are making meaningful contributions to society by addressing the challenges and opportunities before them. Scientist: What a cool occupation!
