Science is playing an important role in the current economic climate. As one of Scotland’s most successful industries, the challenge for education providers is to develop a workforce with the necessary skills to provide creative solutions within this new environment. 

Given that finance is playing a part in most decisions made by public and private bodies, there is a need for new and cost effective ways of tackling problems. For the science industry in particular, it is important that a way is found to engage young people with ideas and insights that will help shape Scotland’s future.

Scotland’s reputation and tradition as a centre of world class scientific research must be matched by academic ambition if we are to remain an attractive location for industry and research - at the moment the chemical science sector is our second biggest export. This process must start in our classrooms and universities if we are to encourage young people to pursue careers in an industry which will be at the centre of public discourse for years to come.

Many young people remain hesitant to the benefits Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can have on their careers. One of the main challenges we face is making science education relevant to young people and the paths they chose to go down. Youth unemployment is increasing in Scotland and this carries with it the danger that a suitably skilled workforce is not being created to meet the ambitious renewable targets that the Scottish Government has set for 2020.

It has been acknowledged that there is a need for more skills training in science and engineering to counter the increased demand they are likely to face. The rise in youth unemployment makes redressing this balance an imperative. The science industry, must work to ensure that science education reflects the needs of young people to enjoy an accessible and relevant education so that the science in Scotland can remain ahead of the curve. 

This Holyrood magazine conference is an opportunity to hear from experts across the science sector, bringing together science teachers, education leaders, scientists and business to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Science in Scotland.