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Developing scientific expertise
27/11/2008
Scotland's standing as a science nation was given a boost today with the announcement of a Government commitment to develop the country's science and technology base to fuel the economy.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said the new framework for science, "Science for Scotland", addresses how to improve the way scientific expertise in further and higher education supports business and the economy.
She said:
"Scotland has been long recognised as a science nation. The work of James Clerk Maxwell, James Watt, Alexander Fleming, and a host of others give Scotland a proud record of achievement in science and engineering. More recently the invention of CAT and MRI scanners, Dolly the sheep and the p53 cancer suppressor gene demonstrate that Scottish science remains world-class.
"The Scottish Science Framework has been produced to support our over-arching economic strategy.
"Our vision is of a wealthier, smarter Scotland which is internationally renowned as a nation of world-class scientific achievement. Scotland is a source of and a magnet for talent and for science investment and we want it to be a powerhouse of technology, innovation and enterprise, delivering benefits to health, the environment and society and increasing sustainable economic growth. This framework will go some way towards achieving these aims."
The Framework sets out how the Scottish Government will develop:
- Individuals
- Scientific research and economic and business demand
- International standing and inward investment
- Connections in Scotland and in Government
It will focus on three key areas
- Science education and careers
- Research
- Knowledge Exchange
During a visit to Optos Ltd, a manufacturer of medical eye scanning equipment, Ms Hyslop said the Fife-based company was an excellent example of how pioneering thought and technology was now benefiting the economy.
Ms Hyslop said:
"Optos is a good example of how innovative thinking can build into a multi-million pound business. It was founded in 1992 by Douglas Anderson after his then five-year-old son, Leif, went blind in one eye when a retinal detachment was detected too late. Although his son was having regular eye exams, conventional tests at the time were uncomfortable, especially for a child, which made it impossible for the doctor to conduct a complete exam.
"In the true spirit of Scottish pioneers, Douglas then determined to find ways to examine the retina that would be easier on the patient. His work led to the formation of Optos plc and the development of the world's first ophthalmic device capable of producing a single, high-resolution, ultra-widefield digital image of the retina.
"Scotland has a proud heritage of excellence in basic and applied science supporting innovative businesses and economic prosperity and to this day has a science base which stands comparison with the world's best. This strategic framework for science is focused on sustaining, enhancing and more effectively exploiting that comparative advantage."
The Government's Economic Strategy (GES) and National Performance Framework (NPF) have a single overarching purpose: to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. That means building a dynamic and growing economy which will provide prosperity and opportunities for all, while ensuring that future generations can enjoy a better quality of life too.
Anne Glover, the Government's independent Chief Scientific Adviser, said:
"I very much welcome 'Science for Scotland'. Science is fundamentally important in delivering every aspect of Scotland's future success and this new framework will set us on a very clear course to achieve this. Particularly during times of economic difficulty, we need to preserve the impetus around scientific development so that we have a capable and vibrant sector which can generate and respond to new opportunities when they emerge. Along with the Scottish Science Advisory Council, I shall be working with the Scottish Government to review progress on implementing the commitments in the framework."
Iain McMillan, director of the CBI Scotland, said:
"CBI Scotland welcomes the publication of the Scottish Government's Science Framework which will support the over-arching Economic Strategy. Its importance for Scotland should not be underestimated given our reliance on many scientific-demanding industries such as life sciences, aerospace, defence, energy and electronics.
"Encouraging increased levels of scientific research, a greater uptake of science-based subjects in Scotland's young people and focusing on where the Scottish economy can benefit from this renewed focus on science will be warmly welcomed by the Scottish business community at a time when positive news for business is becoming increasingly rare.
"CBI Scotland, the country's premier business representative body, is particularly welcoming of the focus within the Framework on developing individuals' scientific capabilities. There are numerous exciting and lucrative opportunities in Scottish industry for those individuals with skills and knowledge in science and mathematics, either as graduates or technicians."
A number of Government policies or actions already initiated will have a positive impact on science and how it contributes to accelerated economic growth in Scotland. Key examples include:
The Saltire Prize, the world's largest prize for marine renewable energy innovation - has been announced by the Scottish Government. It aims to push the boundaries of research in the global fight against climate change. It provides an incentive for both the academic science and business communities in Scotland to work with each other and with international partners to combat climate change. The Saltire Prize is focusing the excellence of our science base on a key economic and social challenge for Scotland and the world, promoting knowledge exchange and commercialisation. It capitalises on Scotland's strengths and provides opportunities for the economy and for energy independence, while making a substantial contribution to the world's most pressing challenges.
The introduction of a new Science Baccalaureate, and a wider review of National Qualifications to further enhance the way in which Curriculum for Excellence places individual pupils at the centre of their learning and skills development, and delivers future generations of Scottish scientists who - like their peers - are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors to society and responsible citizens. It is important that all our young people are equipped with skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.
The Scottish Government's International Lifelong Learning Strategy which aims to position Scotland as a world-leader in international post-school education, attracting talent and fostering international partnerships and strategic alliances. Funding of £500,000 a year will: enhance Scotland's profile in key international markets; increase college and university engagement in international education; support post-graduate employment of international students; improve the quality of the international student experience; and increase opportunities for students and academics to gain overseas experience.