This month’s A Level results showed a significant rise in the
number of people choosing to study science and maths. Entries
for chemistry alone were up over nine per cent from last year –
that’s over 4000 extra students. This is welcome news – science,
technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills are important to
our economy and society, and both universities and employers
value them highly. As Science Minister, I have a responsibility
for not only getting young people from all backgrounds
interested in science, but also raising awareness of the vast
range of career opportunities available to those who study STEM.
This year alone we have committed £13 million for outreach in
schools and public engagement. This includes events such as The
Big Bang Fair, the UK’s leading national fair celebrating young
people’s achievements in science and engineering. In 2011 over
29,000 people took part in the event – a huge increase from
20,000 in 2010 and 5,000 in 2009. We have also committed to
renewing support for STEMN