I am pleased to have the opportunity to present these awards.
I am delighted also at the success of Science Year and that it is being extended for a second year. There are plenty of challenges for the second year; increasing the participation of girls in science, the quality of school science labs and the promotion of careers using science skills.
The Government is playing its part in seeking to inspire more young people to take up careers in Science and Engineering. One of the ways we are doing so is through the Science and Engineering Ambassadors Scheme through the SETPOINTS.
Ambassadors are young professionals with science based careers who will visit educational establishments to act as role models and mentors to pupils. They will help teachers to set the school subjects in the context of the world of work and to see the potential that a STEM-based career offers. Working through SETNET and its UK-wide network of 53 SETPoints we are half-way through a three year programme intended to ensure that every schoolchild in the UK has the opportunity to participate in at least one STEM related activity by the time they are 16. Many organisations have committed to SEAs have had their own approaches approved under it. They include BAe Systems, Ford, Marconi, Unilever and many others.
Secondly, in this year's Spending Review, the Government will provide funds within the overall increase of £1 billion for capital investment in education to improve significantly the quality of school science and technology laboratories and equipment. The Government will also prioritise investment in school laboratories from all sources of capital funding, and will include progress on improving the quality of science laboratories in its appraisal of local education authorities' Asset Management Plans.
Thirdly, the best, and some would say the only way to inspire young people, is through outstanding science teaching. The Government is addressing this issue by improving the science-related training and development available to science teachers, both in their initial teacher training and throughout their careers to ensure that their skills and knowledge are relevant and up to date. The Government and the Wellcome Trust will launch a joint initiative to establish a national centre for excellence in Science teaching.
These awards show getting involved can be open to anyone. They are for people who have done exciting projects and shown what can be achieved, and I hope they will inspire other people to come forward with equally good ones.
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