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Australian researcher wants more young people to study science

Australian researcher wants
more young people to study science

By James Njoroge
There’s

this article about Professor Wynne Jones, of Harper Adams University College
in Australia, urging young people to study science. Actually, this is not the
main theme of the article: It’s about the controversy surrounding genetically
modified

GM foods, and how it can be solved through public education.
Jones sneaks in the idea of
egging on young people to study science and technology so that that they can
lead this campaign, a theory I’ve not heard since I started blogging about
agricultural biotechnology. And I’ve not come across a study that shows young
scientists can execute public awareness campaigns about agricultural
biotechnology, or any other controversial scientific innovations, than their
older counterparts.
In this article, Jones
rightly argues the world would be a better place if more young people study
science and technology. Apart from gaining scientific knowledge for their career
and professional development, Jones further argues, these young scientists - as
a service to the community - would be invaluable asset in educating the public
about new scientific innovation.
Jones says the debate about
genetically modified foods can greatly benefit from young scientists. They’ve
the energy and tact to convince a wary public that modern agricultural
biotechnology has great potential.
“It’s up to us as
educationalists and scientists to inform the public and have a debate based on
fact and not heated emotions,” Says Jones referring to the confusion surrounding
genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Jones can’t be further from
right on this issue. More education and awareness about

GMOs is needed. As I’ve repeatedly argued on this blog, the public has been
denied education about GMOs. And to blame for this situation are scientists who
always shy away from confronting those who try to distort their work. As Jones
puts it, it’s high time they fill up the plate.
James
Njoroge authors the

GMO Africa blog which enhances public understanding of
agricultural biotechnology. More on the Web at

http://www.gmoafrica.org.