Money needed in the bucket, not fun

In Bring back bucket chemistry last month, I bemoaned the low numbers of students choosing to study science at university. I blamed the lack of fun in how science was taught in primary and secondary schools.

This drew forth the following response from one reader:

"It is a mystery to me why every time the dearth of science applicants is lamented, the blame is always sheeted home to the lack of 'fun' that students experience during their early years of science education. Medicine, which is to a great extent applied science, suffers from no similar lack of applicants. What 'fun' do students have in school that encourages such competition for places in law schools?

"If society (and especially their representatives, politicians) really viewed science and scientific research as important, it would pay scientists commensurately, and provide career paths that students would be motivated to strive for. Students read the writing on the wall; they know that science is - in general - a poorly paid, often peculiarly insecure, and (thus) low status career. So, sensibly one might argue, many choose not to do it."

Initially I thought this isn't right - everyone just has to know how interesting science can be and they'll be queuing up to do it. But on deeper reflection there is an awful lot of truth in this alternative view.

Both public and private sector scientists and researchers are, on the whole, poorly paid, and when their qualifications and experience are factored in, they are very poorly paid. Adding to this disincentive is the scramble to achieve funding, the lack of job security because positions are funding dependent and the constant pressure to publish so that funding can be maintained.

So - what can be done? All ideas from the simple and clever to the outrageous are welcome. Please send me your thoughts and I will publish the best for everyone to consider. Let me know if I can include your name and/or organisation or if you'd prefer anonymity.

Email: jwoodhouse@westwick-farrow.com.au