Medical Research Funding Cutbacks: Proof That Science Education For All Is A Must

So why is this happening? Why are some people this blind whenever it comes to science?

In an article I wrote for LabLit.com last year, I stressed on the importance of science education for the whole populace-a universal science education.

Only universal science education will allow scientific progress to flourish to its maximal potential - and ultimately to enable science to meet its obligations. To cultivate a science-conscious community, we must ensure that an adequate science education is provided to all members of the community. Science students, of course, are potential future scientists. As such, they need to be taught the scientific method and to develop critical reasoning and logic. They also need to be sensitised to the challenges faced by mankind so that they can be better prepared and aware of what is expected from them. But it is crucial that those students who opt for career paths away from the sciences are also provided a proper scientific background. This will allow them to become the conscious policy makers, informed communicators and aware voters that we need.

I am a science student and I've been inculcated with the scientific method and logical reasoning. I understand how science works and I can therefore appreciate its impact and importance on society. In the twenty first century, we will need to address terrible health disorders such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, global climate change and ecological catastrophes. To find solutions, we need more knowledge and research is the XXX that allows us to dig for information. But scientists cannot do it by themselves. We cannot do research unless we get the support of the community. Indeed, research requires political will and funding. Australia apparently lacks the first and is threatening to slash the other.

Science, albeit being the major enterprise, is but a contributory factor in the fulfillment of its own obligations. For science to reach its potential, sincere political will, adequate funding resources and access to the best brains are essential. And these are the responsibilities of the policy makers, communicators and the general public. The roles of scientists and "non-scientists" are thus intrinsically interconnected in a common pursuit.

The need for rallies to protest against cuts in medical research funding is perhaps a symptom of a deeper illness. It paints a picture of a divided Australia. And this means that the unifier is not doing a good job uniting people. So maybe if a universal science education is properly put in place, the value of medical research will be understood not only by those who work to save lives, but also by those who sit in leather seats at the parliament.

Image credits: strangehours (from flickr)