House of Reps Committee to examine claims of declining tertiary enrolments in enabling sciences

Public Hearing 16 October 2008

Representatives from the CSIRO, the Australian Academy of Science and the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies will appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Training in Canberra on Thursday (16 October). The committee is examining claims of declining enrolments in the enabling sciences at Australian universities.

Committee Chair, Ms Sharon Bird MP, said today “Those who have identified a continuing decline in the hard sciences attribute the decline to a range of factors including a lack of interest in school science, the perceived difficulty of studying science compared to other subjects and the lack of awareness about the career opportunities for science graduates.”

“While these are complex issues, the committee is keen to ensure that enough is being done to encourage students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.”

The hearing is part of the Committee’s review of the former Department of Education, Science and Training Annual Report 2006-07.

Date/Time: Thursday, 16 October 2008, commencing at 9.35am

Witnesses: Australian Academy of Science
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies

Where: Committee Room 1R6, Parliament House, Canberra

Further information: contact the Inquiry Secretary on (02) 6277 4578, email edt.reps@aph.gov.au.