Global Science Forum Activity on 
   DECLINING INTEREST IN SCIENCE STUDIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE
  •
    The apparent decline in student enrolments in S&T curricula, a subject of 
  concern for many OECD countries
  •
    A broad and complex problem that may impact the development of 
  knowledge-based economies
  •
    A Global Science Forum initiative started in 2003, in co-operation with other 
  OECD Directorates (Statistics, Education…)
  •
    An issue highlighted as a priority at the OECD meeting of science ministers 
  in January 2004 within the general topic of human resources for S&T
                     Global Science Forum
                                   
   The OECD Global Science Forum (formerly the Megascience Forum) :
                     http://www.oecd.org/sti/gsf
   A venue for meetings of senior science policy officials of OECD countries. 
   Its goal: identify and maximise opportunities for international co-operation in basic 
   scientific research by:
   • Exploring opportunities for new or enhanced international co-operation in 
   selected scientific areas. 
   • Defining international frameworks for vital national or regional science policy 
   decisions. 
   • Addressing the scientific dimensions of issues of global concern. 
  Some recent activities:
  • The implementation of an International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility
  • A report on Future Large Programmes and Projects in Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Workshops on Grid computing and Earthquake science
  • A study on the Declining Interest in Science Studies Among Young People 
                   Global Science Forum
                                
               Schedule and participants
   •
     Decided at the Global Science Forum meeting in July 2003
   •
     Steering Committee established at the end of 2003 to determine a 
   precise goal and programme of work
   Chairman: Prof. Jean-Jacques DUBY
   Composition: Belgium; Canada; Denmark; Finland; France; Ireland; Italy; Japan; 
   Korea; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; USA
   •
     Steering Committee report to the GSF in July 2004
   •
     Working Group set up in September 2004
   Chairman: Prof. Sjoerd E. WENDELAAR BONGA
   Composition: Australia; Belgium; Canada; Denmark; European Commission; 
   Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Korea; Netherlands; Norway; 
   Portugal; Sweden; USA
                   Global Science Forum
                                
   Objective : 
   To understand the extent of the decline, the causes, and possible 
   remedies
   Three questions:
  1.  What are the amplitude and characteristics of the decline ? 
     Quantitative analysis of statistical data and trends in selected countries
     (carried out by Laudeline Auriol, OECD Secretariat)
  2.  Which factors contribute to the decline ?
         Qualitative analysis of the reasons for the decline
  3. What are the possible remedies ?
      Review of solutions undertaken at national levels
                   Global Science Forum
                                
   Qualitative study on causes and solutions:
                      Methodology
    
      Key issues identified by the Steering Committee
    
      An enlarged Working Group set up to carry out, together with a 
    consultant, Valérie Hemmo, an in-depth analysis  
    
      Two subgroups, on causes and solutions, created to identify
        the major factors that impact on student’s choice, 
        national action plans 
        remedies that have been experimented
        lessons learned and information needed
    
      A preliminary integrative analysis, linking quantitative data, 
    causes and solutions, will be presented for discussion at a 
    conference on November 2005, in Amsterdam
                   Global Science Forum